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- Preparing the Seder table:[1]
One is to prepare the Seder table on Erev Pesach, before Yom Tov.[2] [This, however, is with exception to the Seder plate which is only prepared once the father returns from Shul.[3] The cushions for leaning are to also be prepared at this time. It is not necessary to prepare cushions for women if they are not accustomed to lean.]
Having beautiful vessels on the table:[4] On the night of Pesach [by the Seder] it is proper to place many beautiful vessels [of gold and silver[5]] on the table, in accordance to that which one can afford. [Also the cups are to be beautiful and splendor.[6]] One should not diminish in placing beautiful vessels on the table even though it is proper to do so during the year in commemoration of the Churban.[7] Even vessels that are not needed for the meal are to be placed on the table.[8] Even [non-chameitz[9]] vessels that one is holding as a Mashkon from a gentile are to be set on the table.[10] The vessels are to be well organized on the table, thus making the table beautiful. All this is done in order to serve as remembrance of the redemption [and expresses one’s great joy and gratitude of all the kindness that Hashem has done for us[11]].[12] [It is likewise done in fulfillment of the Talmudic dictum which requires one to express himself in a form of freedom and luxury as if he had just been emancipated from Egypt.[13]]
- Maaseh Rebbe:[14] On the Seder table of the Rebbe there weren’t any silver vessels placed there for beautification purposes, with exception to those vessels needed for the meal. In the center of the table, the cup of Eliyahu was already set up. This cup was made of glass, and was larger than the regular Kiddush cups. [However, on the Seder table of the other Rabbeim, beginning from the Alter Rebbe until the Rebbe Maharash, they were particular to place all the silver and gold vessels on the table. Some of the Rabbeim had a particular table set up for this purpose. The Tzemach tzedek instructed his daughter in-law, the wife of the Rebbe Maharash, to make sure that all the gold and silver vessels are set up and revealed before all, in commemoration of the fact that G-d took us out with wealth.[15]]
The Kearah: The Chabad custom is to arrange the Kearah at night after returning home from Maariv, and have the Kearah/Simanim brought to the table before Kiddush. See Chapter 4 Halacha 2E!
Haggadah’s: See next!
Candles:[16] At least some of the Yom Tov candles are to be lit on the Seder table.
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Not to have Matzos on the table:[17] Some Poskim[18] rule that [other than the three Matzos on the Kearah[19]] one is not to have any other Matzah on the table until after the Seder [i.e. until after Maggid].[20] [Some[21], however, explain that the Matzos that will be eaten by the household members for the Mitzvah of Motzi Matzah are to be on the table during the Seder and recital of Maggid. Others[22], however, negate this and state that other than the three Matzos on the Kearah, there is not to be any other Matzah on the table, and so is the custom.] |
[1] Admur 472:1; Michaber 472:1
[2] The reason: The table to be set before Yom Tov in order so one can start the meal immediately after dark. The reason one is to begin the meal immediately upon the entrance of night is in order to be able to perform the Seder [the portion of Maggid] while the children are still awake, as the Torah states “Vehigadta Livincha Bayom Hahu”. [Admur ibid; Michaber ibid]
[3] Hagada of Rebbe; See 473:25
[4] Admur 4472:6; Michaber 472:2; Drashos Maharil Agadah; Chok Yaakov 472:4; Kaf Hachaim 472:10-12
[5] Shlah Hakadosh Miseches Pesachim; See Kaf Hachaim 472:11 that one is to especially use silver cups, as it hints to Chesed
[6] Kaf Hachaim 472:11
[7] Admur ibid; M”A 472:2; Maharil p. 88; See
[8] Admur ibid; Chok Yaakov 472:4
[9] Such as vessels that a gentile never yet used, or that one Kashered before Pesach. Upashut, that it is forbidden to place Chameitz vessels of a gentile on the table, as brought in 451:1.
[10] Admur ibid; M”A 472:2; Maharil p. 88; Chok Yaakov 472:4; See Admur Gezeila Ugeneiva 4 and Kuntrus Achron 6 that using the Mashkon of a gentile is not considered stealing; See also Shach Y.D. 120:19 and Taz Y.D. 120:11; However, one may not use the Mashkon of a Jew due to stealing. [Admur ibid] The Mashkon of a gentile does not require Tevila. [Shach ibid]
[11] Shlah Hakadosh Miseches Pesachim
[12] Admur ibid; Chok Yaakov 472:4
[13] Bach 472; Kaf Hachaim 472:9
[14] Maaaseh Melech p. 196 and 206
[15] See Likkutei Dibburim p. 268; Sefer Hasichos 5705 p. 83; 5696 p. 130; Otzer Minhagei Chabad pp. 113-114
[16] Likkutei Sichos 22:283; Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 115
[17] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 473:28
[18] M”A 473:26; Maharil; Chok Yaakov 473:38 [however he writes the Matzos may be returned again when the Kearah is returned after Mah Nishtana]; M”B 473:66; Kaf Hachaim 473:141; This Halacha was omitted from Admur, Vetzarcuh Iyun!
[19] P”M 473 A”A 26
[20] The reason: This is because if other Matzos remain on the table, then there is no recognition for the children to ask a question upon the Keraha being moved aside prior to Mah Nishtanah. [Implication of Poskim ibid; Chok Yaakov ibid] Alternatively, thereason is in order so participants at the Seder do not come to accidentally eat from it before the end of Maggid. [Possible understanding of M”A ibid] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 473 footnote 154 that due to this latter reason, the above custom is to be folwleod even today when many no longer move the Kearah at all.
[21] Vayaged Moshe 2:3
[22] Nitei Gavriel 67 footnote 10 in name of Klozinburger Rebbe
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