Q&A: Holding an Early Seder Before the Actual Seder Night in the Coronavirus Era
Holding an Early Seder Before the Actual Seder Night in the Coronavirus Era
Question
Hello Rabbi.
Since the instruction is for everyone to hold the Seder in their own home, and since my mother will remain alone, I wanted to clarify whether there is any halakhic problem with holding the Seder before the holiday over a video call (Zoom), where we would only read the Haggadah without mentioning God's name or reciting the blessings, and without eating matzah / the meal, etc.
Another reason I see for doing such a thing is for the sake of educating the children.
If not, then as an individual would I be able to go over the Haggadah during the afternoon before nightfall? (There are people who lead Seders who do this.) And if so, what is the difference between the cases?
Thank you very much
Answer
Kiddush and the Seder night have to begin at nightfall. Whatever is done beforehand is in the category of Torah study, or just something of value, but one does not thereby fulfill the obligation. Certainly if you are not reciting blessings and not eating, then how would you fulfill your obligation? I don't understand the question.
Of course, for educational purposes you can do anything. And certainly you can go over the Haggadah at any moment you wish. What's the question?
If in your opinion it is essential that your mother participate via Zoom, then in my opinion this is permitted even on the holiday itself (see the latest column on this).