Shulchan Orech

By our very own “Rav Goldstein”

Shulchan Orech is often misplaced as the most important part of the Pesach Seder. As commonly heard in most Jewish households, "It's a holiday; they tried to kill us, God saved us; so let’s eat!" On Pesach, this couldn't be a worse understanding of the Shulchan Orech meal. It is apparent that the meal has significance other than just filling our bellies. Tosafot says, on the Gemara on Avodah Zara, that the meal celebrates our freedom from slavery. The Netziv goes so far as to state that Shulchan Orech is a part of the Hallel section of the Haggada and is a huge praise to God. The meal is not just an opportunity to fulfill our Mitzva of Oneg Yom Tov, but rather a moment to give thanks and praise to God. On the other end of the spectrum there are several opinions who say that there is a large component of sadness in Shulchan Orech. Think for a moment how bland our Seder meal compares to the glory of the first night of Pesach at the Beit Hamikdash. The entire Jewish people gathering together and partaking of the Korban Pesach and Korban Chaggiga. Some communities have developed the Minhag to eat an egg at the Seder, according to the Rema, as a sign of mourning of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash and our inability to bring the sacrificial offerings. So although we are free today and recline throughout the meal as kings and queens, we must not forget the true desire of our hearts to praise and serve God in his house.


Shabbat shalom and Chag Sameach