15. Shefoch Chamascha:^[1]

The custom is to recite Shefoch Chamascha prior to reciting Lo Lanu.^[2]

1. Pouring the 4^th cup of wine:^[3]

After drinking the 3^rd cup for Birchas Hamazon, one is required to pour a fourth cup to complete the Hallel and Haggadah with it.^[4] [It is not customary to hold the cup neither during Shefoch Chamascha, or later on by Hallel.]

1. Opening the doors by Shefoch Chamascha:^[5]

Prior to reciting Shefoch Chamascha the door is opened in order to remember that this night is a night that G-d guards and protects us, and we are thus not scared of anything. In merit of this faith, Moshiach will come, and G-d will then pour his wrath on the Gentiles. [Shefoch Chamascha is very auspicious time to ask Hashem for one’s requests.^[6] The Chabad custom is to open all the doors leading to the public area, or to the courtyard, prior to saying Shefoch Chamascha. The Chabad custom when Pesach falls during the week, is to bring lit candles to the doorway. Only the emissaries who carry the candles and open the door go to the doorway to say it there, while the remaining participants say it by the Seder table.^[7] Some Poskim^[8] rule that the prayer of Shefoch Chamascha is to be said in a standing position. Practically, however, the Chabad custom is to recite it even sitting.^[9] Some are accustomed to reciting Baruch Haba upon opening the door.^[10] When the emissaries return from the door, the participants are to then begin Lo Lanu in unison.^[11] The custom is to close the door after Shefoch Chamascha.^[12]]

Requesting to be a Mentch:[13] The Rebbe Rashab once related to his son the Rebbe Rayatz that throughout the Seder one needs to concentrate on being a Mentch, and by doing so Hashem will help [him accomplish this]. One is to specially focus on this matter when the doors are open for Shefoch Chamascha. One is to ask for spiritual things and not focus on materialism.

 

1. Leaving one’s doors unlocked throughout the night:^[14]

Some communities have the custom not to lock the doors of the home in which they will be sleeping in on the night of Pesach, being that it is a night guarded for all the Jewish people for all their generations for G-d to take them out of this exile. [We thus leave the door unlocked], as if Eliyahu will come, he will find an open door and we will hastily go to greet him. We believe in this, and this faith carries with it a great reward. Nevertheless, if robbers are common in one’s area, then one should not rely on a miracle [and leave his door open]. [By the Rebbe Maharash, indeed the door was left unlocked, and at times was even left open. However, by the Rebbe the door was closed and at times even locked.^[15]]

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[1] See Rebbe in Haggadah p.43 who questions as to why this does not receive its own Siman in the Haggadah

[2] Admur 480:4; Rama 480:1; Abudarham; Seder Rav Amram Gaon

[3] Admur 480:1; Siddur Admur; Mishneh Pesachim 117b

[4] The reason for this is because the Hallel is to be finished over the 4^th cup.

[5] Admur 480:4; Rama 480:1; Mahari Bruno; See Chikrei Minhagim 3:77

[6]  See below regarding requesting to be a Mentch

[7] Sefer Haminhagim p. 41 [Hebrew]

[8] Aruch Hashulchan 480:1

[9] Sefer Haminhagim p. 41 [Hebrew]

[10] Aruch Hashulchan ibid

[11] Sefer Haminhagim p. 41 [Hebrew]

[12] Otzer Minhagei Chabad 165

[13] Rebbe in Haggadah Shel Pesach [new] p. 11

[14] Admur 480:5; M”A 481:2; Maharil p. 123; Or Zarua 2:234 in name of Rav Nissim Gaon; Sefer Hamanhig; Chok Yaakov 480:6; Elya Raba 4801:3; Pesach Meubin 361;See Kaf Hachaim 480:16; 481:15

[15] See Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 204