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

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

By Menachem Posner

Rabbi Menachem Posner serves as staff editor at Chabad.org, the world’s largest Jewish informational website. He has been writing, researching, and editing for Chabad.org since 2006, when he received his rabbinic degree from Central Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch. He lives in Chicago, Ill., with his family.

Join the Discussion

Sort By:

NewestOldest

9 Comments

Ryan Finley March 30, 2021

The family was a bit perplexed about the left leaning recline since right leaning felt so natural and then my five-year old pointed out that it was so that we could eat with our right hands. After further thought we realized that throughout the year we were wiping with the wrong hand which may explain the inclination to lean right. Going to make it a point to lean left and use our left hands when taking care of the unclean necessities of life and hopefully next Seder the left leaning recline will come naturally. Reply

Moshe November 20, 2020

Slight issue with the choking explanation, as a medical student and a ben torah I know that it can't be so. The trachea lies directly in front of the esophagus and not to the right or left. Reply

Craigo Caledonia March 31, 2015

I don't want man's opinion. Where is the Biblical reference for reclining? I see the opposite. Thanks. Reply

Vivian Smith March 27, 2021

in response to Craigo:

Actually the right main stem bronchus is more straight than the left and it is easier to aspirate (Get
Food down into the lungs) If one leaned to the right. Reply

Menachem Posner Montreal April 7, 2014

RE: No Choking Hazard This is found in the Talmud (Pesachim 108a) as explained by Rashbam ad loc. Reply

Craig A. Olson Caledonia November 22, 2020

in response to Menachem Posner:

Again, where is the Biblical reference for reclining? I see the opposite. Thanks. Reply

Anonymous Australia April 5, 2014

No Choking Hazard Can you please find me a source that says if you lean to the right it can "prevent the epiglottis from covering the trachea," but not if you lean to the left?

I have studied the throat in depth and this statement is false. Reply

Shlomo April 22, 2008

RE: Women leaning See this article for an explanation of women and leaning at the seder:
chabad.org/658259 Reply

Anonymous San Antonio, USA April 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? Reply

More in this section

You may also be interested in...

Join the Discussion