Rulings and insights from the Lubavitcher Rebbe - Rabbi Chaim Wolosow

While Chabad avoids gebrokts during Pesach, the Rebbe explains the custom to specifically eat it on Acharon Shel Pesach. Since the Alter Rebbe permits leniency then, Chassidim emphasize this ruling and turn it into a positive hiddur.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/248

The Rebbe clarifies that eating matzah is a mitzvah only on the Seder night. Although matzah is guarded for Pesach, this does not prove a mitzvah throughout the holiday. On a deeper level there may be significance, but not in halachic obligation.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/247

The Rebbe strongly rejects adding a fifth cup to the Seder based on personal ideas of redemption. Such changes oppose the Shulchan Aruch and risk misleading others, especially through a widely used Haggadah, undermining accepted halachic authority.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/246_003

The Rebbe strongly objects to inserting Holocaust content into the Haggadah. Its precise, sacred text must not be altered, especially in ways that disturb the spirit of joy and freedom. Such painful subjects require their own proper time, not the Seder.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/246_002

Some communities recite Shir HaShirim on Shabbos Chol HaMoed Pesach, reflecting the love between Hashem and Knesses Yisrael. The Rebbe notes that minhag Chabad is not to say it formally, aside from a custom—like his father’s—to recite it on the Seder night.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/245

After the four cups, one may not drink further, even water. The Rebbe explains the Rambam’s view of pouring a fifth cup without drinking—either as a compromise with Rabbi Tarfon or as an added practice—and distinguishes it from the communal Kos Shel Eliyahu.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/244

The Rebbe in Shulchan Menachem explains the reason for eating two kezayitim for the Afikoman and clarifies the Alter Rebbe’s wording about not drinking afterward. The emphasis is on fulfilling both opinions and preparing beforehand so the taste of the Afikoman remains.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/243

The Rebbe explains the Chabad custom not to eat the zeroa on the Seder plate. Since the Korban Pesach’s main purpose was to be eaten, refraining from eating it clearly distinguishes it from the actual korban.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/241

The Rebbe discusses whether charoses applies only to maror or also to matzah. The Rambam includes matzah, while the Raavad limits it to maror. The debate reflects whether charoses symbolizes mortar or serves a practical purpose.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/240

The Rebbe outlines Chabad customs for charoses: adding wine at the time of use, dipping maror twice, and avoiding liquid contact with matzah. Those careful with Gebrokts use dry charoses and shake it off.

https://www.torahrecordings.com/shulchan_menachem/orach_chayim/239