QUESTION

What is the earliest time for the first cup for the start of the seder? 

ANSWER
It is common during the summertime to bring in Shabbat early and to make kiddush and have our Friday night meal before it gets dark. This is based on the principle of tosefet Shabbat, extending the sanctity of Shabbat into the day before. However, when it comes to Pesach, many Rishonim rule that matzah may not be eaten before it is full nightfall (tzeit hakokhavim) because of a number of verses that state that  matzah and the korban pesach (Pesach sacrifice) must be eaten in the evening (Ex. 12:8,18).

Read Rabbi Linzer’s analysis of the halakhic discussions around starting Seder early >

Read Rabbi Linzer’s step-by-step guide for starting Seder early >