Some Pesach Pointers:

Common misconceptions about two of the less celebrated steps to the Seder:

Misconception number 1 - Urchatz - Washing our hands before eating a vegetable dipped in liquid is unique to Pesach. The truth is that according to the Shulchan Orech, one is obligated to wash Netilas Yadayim without a bracha whenever he eats a fruit or vegetable that was deliberately dipped or washed in water, vinegar or certain other liquids and not fully dried. However, the Mogen Avraham writes that it is customary to rely upon the opinion of those Rishonim who are lenient and understand this obligation to apply only at the time when people were able to avoid tumah. According to this school of thought we are not required to wash for vegetables dipped in liquid, being that absent the ashes of a Para Aduma we are all Tamei. Another opinion is expressed by the Mishnah Brurah who writes that it is improper to be lenient, while the majority of Poskim consider this din to be an obligation.

Returning to Urchatz; those who follow the Mishnah Brurah must wash before eating Karpas dipped in salt water on Pesach as they would before eating any vegetable dipped in water year round. However, those who rely on the leniency of the Mogen Avraham throughout the year should wash before partaking in Karpas none-the-less. This unusual washing will serve to accentuate the unique nature of the Seder night and prompt the children to ask "Why is this night different?".

Misconception number 2 - Yachatz - Yachatz is least complicated of the 14 steps to the Seder (Kadesh, Urchatz etc.).

The truth is that once the middle Matzah is broken there are six distinct steps that preceed Maggid. Most correctly these preliminary steps to Maggid are performed in the following sequence:

1) The Karah is lifted

2) Ha Lachma Anya is recited

3) The Karah is removed from the table, moved to the far end of the table or covered - each family according to its own minhag.

 4) The second of the four cups is poured

5) The Ma Nishtana is recited

6) The Matzos are uncovered and the Karah is returned. Only then does the Maggid begin with Avodim Hayinu.

A health advisory regarding Maror

Heart patients take note: Green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce may adversely affect blood thinners ( i.e. kumadin). Please seek medical advice before partaking of this type of maror. However, it should be noted that for healthy individuals, lettuce is the preferred type of maror provided that it is carefully washed and checked for insects.

This message courtesy of Hatzalah.