This chapter focuses on the second great mitzvah of Seder night:
Sippur Yetziat Mitzrayim — telling the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
It also explains:
- The purpose of the Haggadah
- Questions and answers at the Seder
- Reclining
- The Four Cups
- Charoset
- Maror
Halachah 1 – The Mitzvah of Telling the Story
The Torah commands:
“Remember this day on which you left Egypt.”
The Rambam explains that this mitzvah is fulfilled specifically on the night of the 15th of Nissan, when matzah and maror are before us.
Important Principles
- The mitzvah applies even if one has no children.
- Even great Torah scholars must tell the story.
- The more one elaborates, the more praiseworthy he is.
Halachah 2 – Teaching According to the Child
The father should tailor the story to the child’s level.
Young Child
Explain simply:
We were slaves in Egypt and God took us out.
Wise Child
Explain:
- The slavery
- The miracles
- The plagues
- The redemption
according to the child’s understanding.
Halachah 3 – Creating Curiosity
The Rambam emphasizes:
The night should be different.
The purpose is to encourage questions.
Examples:
- Giving children treats and nuts
- Removing the table unexpectedly
- Creating unusual behavior
This leads the children to ask:
“Why is this night different?”
If No Child Is Present
- Wife asks husband.
- Friends ask one another.
- A person alone asks himself.
The Seder must remain a night of questions and discussion.
Halachah 4 – Beginning With Shame and Ending With Praise
The story should begin with our humble origins and end with redemption.
Two forms are mentioned:
Spiritual Decline
- Our ancestors worshipped idols.
- God brought us near to His service.
Physical Slavery
- We were slaves in Egypt.
- God redeemed us with miracles.
The Rambam identifies the primary scriptural section as:
“Arami oved avi” (Deuteronomy 26)
and praises anyone who expands extensively upon it.
Halachah 5 – Three Essential Topics
Rabban Gamliel’s famous principle:
Anyone who does not explain these three matters has not fulfilled his obligation:
- Korban Pesach
Because God passed over our houses.
- Maror
Because the Egyptians embittered our lives.
- Matzah
Because of the redemption from Egypt.
These explanations form the heart of the Haggadah.
Halachah 6 – Personally Experiencing the Exodus
The Rambam states one of the most famous principles of the Seder:
In every generation, a person must see himself as if he personally left Egypt.
Not merely:
- Remembering history,
but:
- Reliving redemption.
The Exodus is not only the story of our ancestors.
It is our story.
Halachah 7 – Reclining and the Four Cups
Since free people recline while eating:
Reclining Is Required
During:
- Eating the mitzvah matzah
- Drinking the Four Cups
Four Cups
Every person must drink four cups.
Even:
- A poor person supported by charity
must be provided with them.
Each cup must contain at least a revi’it.
Halachah 8 – Who Reclines?
Required
- Men
- Important women
- Servants
- Sons before fathers
Students
Students should not recline before their teachers without permission.
Proper Direction
One reclines:
âś… To the left.
Not:
❌ On the right. ❌ Flat on the back. ❌ Forward.
Halachah 9 – Drinking the Four Cups Properly
The wine should be diluted appropriately for pleasant drinking.
If Undiluted Wine Is Drunk
The mitzvah is technically fulfilled, but not in the ideal manner of freedom.
If All Four Cups Are Drunk Together
The symbolism of freedom is fulfilled.
However:
❌ The obligation of four separate cups is not.
The cups must remain distinct parts of the ceremony.
Halachah 10 – The Function of Each Cup
First Cup
Kiddush
Second Cup
The Haggadah
Third Cup
Birkat HaMazon
Fourth Cup
Hallel and songs of praise
Drinking Between Cups
Allowed:
- Between first and second
- Between second and third
Not allowed:
- Between third and fourth
Halachah 11 – Charoset
Charoset is a Rabbinic mitzvah.
Purpose:
To recall the mortar used by the Jewish slaves.
Ingredients
Examples:
- Dates
- Figs
- Raisins
combined with:
- Vinegar
- Spices
to resemble clay mixed with straw.
Halachah 12 – Maror Today
Originally:
- Matzah
- Maror
- Korban Pesach
were eaten together.
Today:
Since the Temple no longer stands,
the obligation of maror is Rabbinic.
Halachah 13 – Types of Maror
The Rambam lists five valid species:
- Romaine lettuce
- Endives
- Horseradish-type herbs
- Date ivy
- Wormwood
A person fulfills the mitzvah by eating a kezayit.
Must Be Raw
One does not fulfill the mitzvah if the maror is:
- Cooked
- Pickled
- Boiled
because bitterness must be experienced.