There does not exist a more cherished order of tradition than the Pesach Seder. Families and communities each keep their own particular customs with regards to various steps and idiosyncrasies throughout the Seder, and each hold it very dear to their heart. Rabbanim and Gedolei Yisrael throughout the period of the early Acharonim, and particularly in today’s modern generation, maintained unique customs and traditions which are religiously followed until this very day by their followers and admirers. There does not exist a more prolific work in the Jewish library than the various versions of the Haggadah, printed by various publishers, artists and Rabbis. It is beyond the scope of this chapter to capture the unique customs of the various folds of Jewry throughout the steps of the Seder, and perhaps such a task would be impossible to properly document. The focus of this chapter is to provide the reader with the basic Halachos of the Seder which are binding on all Jewry, as written in the Shulchan Aruch and codifiers. It likewise contains the specific Chabad customs and traditions as received from the Rabbeim, and particularly, as written in the Rebbe’s Haggadah which he published. Those affiliated with other communities, or Rabbanim, are to follow the guidelines specified in their community Haggadah for their particular customs and differences.

The Rebbe’s customs: Due to the high interest of Chassidic followers to be aware of their Rebbe’s personal customs, we have also included the Rebbe’s personal Seder customs, each in their relevant area. These customs are not necessarily meant to be seen as instructions to the Chassidim, as often such customs are the unique heritage of a Rebbe, and are not applicable to others. Nonetheless, we did not withhold this information from our readers, due to the high human interest.  The Rebbe’s customs have been highlighted with the following bullet point, listed as Maaseh Rav:      

General instructions

Guarding one’s speech-Not to talk of matters unrelated to the Seder:^[3]

One is to beware not to talk any mundane speech on the night of the Seder. One is likewise to warn his family not to do so, in order so they not be separated even one moment from their Dveikus to Hashem. This especially applies from the time one makes Kiddush until after Hallel.^[4]

Being a Mentch [a refined human being]:^[5]

The Rebbe Rashab once related to his son the Rebbe Rayatz that throughout the Seder one needs to concentrate on being a Mentch, and by doing so hashem will help [him accomplish this]. One is to especially focus on this matter when the doors are open for Shefoch Chamascha. One is to ask for spiritual things and not focus on materialism.

The importance of every step of the Seder:^[6]

Every person should perform the exact steps of the Seder as established by the Sages, and no matter of this order should be light in his eyes, as every step of the Seder contains significance even if it does not appear so in the eyes of the person. All the matters performed on this night have special meaning and are instrumental in assisting the soul to leave its spiritual Egypt.^[7]

Studying the instructions prior to each Siman:^[8]

Prior to each step of the Seder, one is to study the instructions that are relevant to that step, as printed in the Haggadah prior to each Siman.

& Maaseh Rebbe:^[9] The custom of the Rebbe was to look inside the Haggadah prior to each step and quietly read the instructions of that step, as written in the Haggadah.

Reading the Simanim:^[10]

Prior to each step of the Seder, one is to say the Siman of that step. For example, prior to Kadesh one is to say the word Kadesh, and prior to Urchatz one is to say the word Urchatz, and so on and so forth. This is done because each step of the Seder contains great mystical secrets which are emphasized upon being verbalized.

& Maaseh Rebbe:^[11] The custom of the Rebbe was to look inside the Haggadah prior to each step and quietly read the Siman of that step, as stated above.

Reading the Haggadah out loud and in a Niggun:^[12]

It is customary in many communities to recite the Haggadah with a Niggun. The Siddur Arizal writes prior to Mah Nishtana that the Haggadah is to be said aloud, with great joy and concentration. [So also conclude other Poskim.^[13] This applies even if one is performing the Seder alone.^[14] The Rebbe Maharash once instructed the Chassidim by his Seder table, who were very quiet upon reading the Haggadah, that they should each say the Haggadah aloud.^[15] Accordingly, the Rebbe Rayatz was accustomed to read the Haggadah aloud, and in those times that he could not read it aloud due to his speech impediments, he would instruct others to say it aloud.^[16]]

& Maaseh Rebbe:^[17] The custom of the Rebbe was to read the Haggadah quietly, although he would instruct whoever was the lead reader to read it aloud.

Commentary on the Hagadah:

It is customary throughout the Seder for the Seder leader, and other participants to recite commentary on the Haggadah and its steps. The custom of the Rabbeim was as follows:^[18] They would only recite commentary during the section of Maggid of the Haggadah, from Hei Lachma Aniya until Asher Goaleinu. Nonetheless, they would not stop during the stanzas of Dayeinu until Lichapeir Al Kol Avonoseinu. In all cases, one is to beware of the time so that he can complete the Afikoamn before midnight.

Haggadah’s:^[19]

By the Rebbe’s Seder table he had in front of him his Haggadah of Likkutei Taamim Uminhagim, as well as the Siddur Arizal of Rav Shabsi of Rashkov. Throughout the Seder he would study from both of them.

Niggunim/Singing:^[20]

By the Rebbe’s Seder table, they did not sing any of the stanzas, and no Niggunim were sung during the meal. This was likewise the order by the Seder of the Rebbe Rayatz.

Learning the laws of Karban Pesach:^[21]

It is proper to study the laws of the Karban Pesach during the meal of the Seder. Some are accustomed to learning from the Rambam’s laws of Karban Pesach.

Having all the children of the family, including babies, be present by the Seder:^[22]

All the children of the family should be awake and present for the Seder including even a nursing baby. Thus, a mother is to nurse her child and nap him before the Seder begins, in order so the child be awake by the Seder. The reason for this is because even the smallest of children were present by the exodus and the splitting of the sea and proclaimed Zeh Keily Vianveihu.

The Shiurim of Revius and Kdei Achilas Peras for the Four Cups:

See Chapter 1 Halacha 4F and J-H.

The Shiurim of Kezayis, and Kdei Achilas Peras for Matzah & Maror:

See Chapter 3 Halacha 5-6.

Eating and drinking during the Seder:

See Chapter 3 Halacha 8!

Leaving the Seder table during the Seder:

See Chapter 3 Halacha 9!