[by Rabbi Yair Hoffman]

As a general rule, it is best to prepare things before the Seder begins � even if it is completely permitted to prepare them on Shabbos itself. The Mishna Brurah explains that this is in order not to have delays within the Seder (MB 472:1).

____1. Prepare the Haggados that you and those present will be using.

____2. Prepare the Matzos. This includes 3 whole Shmurah Matzos and the cover. If a piece is broken, you can burn the edge on the gas stove and it is still considered as a whole Matzah. Also prepare enough Shmurah Matzah for all the guests that will be present at the Seder.

____3. Prepare the children�s nosh. There is a relatively little-known mitzvah to give the children nosh on the first night of Pesach. The Gemorah states that the reason is �so that they will not fall asleep and will ask.� The Shulchan Aruch adds, �so that they will see a difference and ask.� Some do it immediately before the Seder (Rav Shulchan Aruch and Kaf HaChaim) or immediately after Kiddush (Chasam Sofer).

____4. Prepare enough salad leaves for each person. Generally speaking two leaves are enough per person � one for maror and one for korech. Ideally, one should purchase from a company that adequately pre-inspects it. If not make sure to check it yourself. Prepare enough for two days and refrigerate if you have the room.

____5. If one uses chrein, it should be ground and covered during the day. Prepare enough for two days. If one forgot to grind it, it may be done with a shinui � using the back of a spoon.

____6. It is preferable to prepare the charoses during the day as well. Prepare enough for two days.

____7. The salt water should be prepared ahead of time as well. Even though the Mishna Brurah (473:21) rules that salt water may be prepared on Shabbos, we prepare it earlier for two reasons: a] so as not to delay the seder and b] to fulfill the view of the Chayei Adam (Klal 130). Prepare enough for two days.

____8. Enough wine (or grape juice) should be prepared for everyone present to drink the 4 cups of wine. Prepare enough for two days.

____9. The wine bechers or glasses should be prepared.

____10. The meat that will be used to represent the zroah should be cooked then roasted.

____11. The egg should be cooked then roasted over the flame.

____12. Enough Karpas should be prepared for everyone present at the Seder. Prepare enough for two days.

____13. The Seder plate should be prepared in advance.

____14. The table should be set for the 1st night by daytime. Of course, the 2nd seder may only be set after nightfall.

____15. The pillows should be prepared in advance.

____16. The Kittels should be prepared in advance. It is a good idea to have one for each night.

____17. Prepare the siddur for the father to bless the children as soon as he comes home.

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ARTICLE PUBLISHED BY 5TJT