We have seen that halacha dictates that we do not even start saying the hagadda, before nightfall. But what about getting a jumpstart, and reciting kiddush a little early? Is there anything wrong with that? That would definitely help move things along!
It is interesting to point out that the Chasam Sofer, in one place, actually suggests that one can make kiddush early. However, the Shulchan Aruch rules that even kiddush must be recited after nightfall. Why is that?
There are a number of reasons given for this:
1. The Taz explains that this is not because of the seder per se, but because kiddush must be recited at a time when the meal can be eaten. The Pri Megadim explains that this is because kiddush is the beginning of the meal, and must be recited at a time that the meal – tonight beginning with the matza and the maror – can be eaten, which is after nightfall.
2. The Magen Avraham quotes a Terumas Hadeshen that explains that since kiddush is one of the four cups, and is part and parcel of the evening’s program, it must be recited at a time that the seder can take place.
3. The Brisker Rav explains that since the drinking of the cup is to show that we became free, it must be drunk at night, when we were freed.
Davening Maariv, however, can be done earlier, and there is no need to wait for nightfall, but then Shma should be repeated after nightfall.
Reciting the Hagadda on Shabbos Hagadol
The Rama writes that the minhag is to recite the hagadda on Shabbos Hagadol. The Gra takes issue with this minhag, based on the words of the hagadda that it must be recited specifically on the night of Pesach, and not earlier. Although this is not to fulfill the mitzvah, just as a “practice run,” the Gra seemingly understood that this is not just the time to perform the mitzvah, but actually an issur to say it before.
The Yaavetz also asserts that one should not say the hagadda on Shabbos Hagadol. He adds that even if it is not an issur, it should not be said earlier, keeping the text fresh and exciting.
Rabbi Scheiner
Children Being Up
How long should we keep the children awake by the seder? The Mishna Berura writes that the main objective is that they ask the questions of the ma nishtana and hear the answer. But he also mentions that it may be better for them to stay up until the eating of the matza, so they will actually see the mitzvos in action.
Summary
One cannot even recite kiddush before nightfall, because kiddush must be recited at a time that the meal can be eaten, because kiddush is one of the four cups, or because it must be drunk as free people. Some have the custom to recite the hagaddah on Shabbos Hagadol, although some poskim others are against it. Children should stay up at least until they hear the answer to the Ma Nishtana, and preferably until the eating of the matza.
