From: Roger H. in Walsall, UK

Dear Rabbi,

When and why did the tradition of reclining at the Passover meal begin? In the book of Exodus it seems that the people were instructed for all time to eat the Passover meal with sandals on their feet and staffs in hand as if ready to move on. So why do we lean, which seems to indicate a lack of readiness to move on?

Dear Roger H.,

Leaning symbolizes freedom and aristocracy. The tradition of reclining at the Passover meal is first recorded in the Talmud (Pesachim 99b,108a), but dates back much farther than that.

Reclining is not just a tradition. Rather, reclining while eating the matza and drinking the four cups of wine is an halachic legal requirement. In fact, in certain circumstances, one does not fulfill the mitzva if one ate matza or drank wine without reclining (Sh.A., O.Ch. 472).

The reason why we recline, whereas the Jews in Egypt were commanded to “eat on the run”, is because they were indeed getting ready to leave Egypt. But that command was specific for those people and for that year alone. We, however, intentionally recline to celebrate the purpose and result of the Exodus. Namely, to demonstrate our being free to serve G‑d and to help us really feel it.