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Why do we recline to our left side at the seder?


By Menachem Posner

It was the custom of ancient royalty to recline on the left for two reasons:

a) Food is normally held in the right hand. Leaning toward the left leaves the right hand free.

b) Leaning on the right is a choking hazard. It can prevent the epiglottis from covering the trachea, allowing food to enter and stop the flow of oxygen.

Wishing you a happy and kosher Passover!

Rabbi Menachem Posner

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Rabbi Menachem Posner is a member of the chabad.org Ask the Rabbi team.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Apr 22, 2008
RE: Women leaning
See this article for an explanation of women and leaning at the seder:
chabad.org/658259
Posted By Shlomo

Posted: Apr 19, 2008
WOMEN AND LEANING
In an earlier article, I read regarding the law for men and women and Passover that "with exception to leaning" women were basically equal with men.

Do women not lean to the left? Why? or Why not?
Posted By Anonymous, San Antonio, USA



 


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