More Detailed Laws Of The Seder

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.....................................   The Seder: An Overview  Basic Laws Of The Seder ..................................... Introduction Mitzvot of Matza and Maror Time Limit The Four Cups Size Time Limit Introduction: There are many Passover laws for which numerous opinions exist. It is beyond the scope of this article to encompass all or the laws according to all of the opinions. Many people choose to be more stringent on various issues, and much more can be written about each and every detail. The laws contained herein are the basic requirements to fulfill the Halachic obligations, and are based on the responsa of Hagaon Rav Chaim P. Sheinberg, Rosh Yeshivat Torah Ohr, to women attending his regular talks. They have been compiled by a group of his students. Should you have any questions on the Halachic requirements stated here, a Halachic authority should be consulted. Mitzvot Related To Eating Matza and Maror The size of a "kezayit" (literally "like the size of an olive") is a measurement equal to the volume of half an egg. There is a difference of opinion about whether our eggs are smaller than those at the time of the Talmud. According to the Chazon Ish Zt'L, the site of a Kezayis d'oraisa is 45 to 50 cc, and according to Hagaon Harav A. Chaim No'eh Zt'L, it is 25.6 to 28.8 cc. According to the Mishna Brura, when we are dealing with a Mitzvah De'oraisa, we should take the larger shiur (size) and when dealing with a Mitzvah D'rabbonon it is sufficient to rely on the smaller shiur. It is very hard to give an exact standard shiur (size) for the amount of hand matza that one has to eat for kezayit d'oraita and Kesayit d'Rabbanon and a Rav should be consulted. However, one can rely on the fact that by breaking the matza into small pieces and then filling up one's mouth with as much matza as possible, leaving enough room for chewing afterwards in the normal way, one will have definitely eaten enough to fulfill one's obligation in the Mitzvah of eating Matza. It should be noted that: Hand matza should be used for both kezayit d'oraita & kezayit d'rabbanon or consult a Rav. Korach requires a Kezayit d'Rabbonon of matza and a Kezayit d'rabbanan of maror. It is advisable to eat 2 kezaytim of the Afikoman. Elderly people, or those unable to meet these requirements, should consult a Rav. Time Limit The kezayit d'oraita of Matza should be eaten within 2 minutes. 5-6 minutes is acceptable. Under very exceptional circumstances, 9 minutes is also acceptable. If one encounters difficulty, a small amount or water may be sipped while chewing. Relax, chew well and then begin swallowing. The time limit begins from the first swallowing and continues until the entire kezayit has been swallowed. The Four Cups What To Drink: Wine is preferable. To avoid drowsiness: Use a cup that does not exceed the minimum shiur (size). One may drink a glass of water immediately after swallowing the wine. (The water should be on the table at the time that one says the brocho of Borei Pri Hagafen). If one cannot drink wine he may use grape juice. Those allergic to wine and to grape juice may use a "Chamar Medina" (for example tea and coffee). Size The cup used must contain at least a "rev'it". Being that there are various opinions on the size of a rev'it, a Rav should be consulted. Preferably, one should drink the entire cup. If this is very difficult, then drinking most of the cup is sufficient. Under exceptional conditions. drinking most of a "rev'it" is also acceptable, even if the cup is much larger than a "rev'it". Time Limit Preferably, two swallows. If this is very difficult then up to 5 or 6 minutes is acceptable. Haggadah: The proper time for starting the Seder is right after Tzeit HaKochovim. Upon arriving home from Maariv one should promptly start the seder in order that the children should not fall asleep before eating the Matzoh and Maror and the meal. Therefore, one should say the Hagadah as quickly as possible, and save the commentaries for later on. Leaning: The mitzvoh of "Hasayvah," is to give one a feeling of freedom, therefore one should not lean in an uncomfortable manner. Thanks to Yeshivat Ohr Somayach for this page. Check out their Pesach site!   The Seder: An Overview  Basic Laws of the Seder .....................................