In our place of shlichus, nightfall is very late. Can I start the seder before night?

The Torah specifies that the mitzvos of Pesach must be fulfilled after nightfall (balailah hazeh). The same applies to the rabbinic mitzvos — such as daled kosos, maror, and afikoman — which must all be done at night.¹ At the same time, we are encouraged to begin the seder as soon as possible, so the participants can remain awake.²

Starting a meal before the seder raises several halachic issues. One may not eat matzah before the seder to preserve one’s appetite for it (see issue 871). Filling foods — i.e., matza ashira or kosher for Pesach mezonos — may not be eaten during the last quarter of the day.³ Wine may not be drunk either from that point (other than an in-between amount that’s hard to measure).⁴ Other foods that are not filling may be eaten, but even so, one should not eat to satisfaction.⁵

Practically, the proper approach is to begin the seder only after nightfall. However, one may say divrei Torah and even parts of the haggada beforehand — especially the sections that fall under “kol hamarbeh lesaper,” as telling the story is praiseworthy at any time. Once night comes, the required parts of the haggada and the mitzvos should be performed (see issue 354 for haggada minimum).

If participants cannot manage the full seder at night, one could serve a light first course before nightfall and discuss parts of Yetzias Mitzrayim. Candle lighting the first night must be after plag hamincha (second night, after tzeis).

If eating will continue after shkiah, some poskim allow making kiddush after plag hamincha (or shkiah), fulfilling kiddush bimkom seuda with a (additional) revi’is of wine or grape juice, and then serving a light course. After nightfall, the main components of the Seder can be done—with the four kosos, basic Haggadah, and a short meal.

Although less than ideal, when this is the only way to help participants fulfill the mitzvos of the night, it is seemingly a valid solution.

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