I’ve seen it asked, why do we (still) recline at the Passover Seder?
Long ago rich folks reclined as they ate, it was a sign of luxury. The ancient Greeks and Romans reclined on couches. But today we all sit upright as we eat, if anything we lean forward more due to cell-phone posture.
So why do we continue to recline on Passover in the 21st century?
First of all, tradition! Seder reclining is a longstanding tradition dating back to the Mishna Pesachim itself.
Was thinking that this year, this 5786/2026, keeping up with family & alumni in Israel and hearing what they’re going through, may lend some insight:
It’s harder to kick back & relax when the country is on edge, when sirens send you & small children down & back from shelters at any time of day & night, when never know when & where another missile will drop, when kids are home from school & so much is on hold. It’s like sitting on the edge of the seat.
Reclining is kicking back, that settled in feeling at the end of a long day when you take off your shoes, kick back and settle in. True, nowadays reclining by leaning to our left isn’t the same feeling as sinking into a comfy couch knowing you’re home for the night. But that’s the idea.
May we all, and especially those at the edge of their seats for whatever life factors, in Israel or around the world, be comforted & comfortable in the assured security of a kicked-back relaxed recline, especially at this festival of freedom!