What are the four questions on Passover? This is a question that has been asked for centuries by Jews around the world. The four questions, known as the “Mah Nishtanah,” are central to the Seder, the traditional Passover meal. They serve as a way to engage children in the celebration and to remind everyone of the significance of the holiday.
The first question, “Why is it that on all other nights we eat either leavened or unleavened bread, but on this night we eat only unleavened bread?” This question highlights the importance of the Exodus from Egypt, where the Jews were instructed to leave their homes without time to let their bread rise. The unleavened bread, known as matzah, symbolizes the haste of their departure.
The second question, “Why is it that on all other nights we eat either sitting or reclining, but on this night we recline?” This question is rooted in the fact that the Jews were slaves in Egypt and were not allowed to sit or recline at their meals. By reclining during the Seder, the participants symbolize their freedom and the ability to enjoy their food comfortably.
The third question, “Why is it that on all other nights we eat all kinds of vegetables, but on this night we eat bitter herbs?” This question is a reminder of the bitterness of slavery that the Jews endured in Egypt. The bitter herbs, often maror, are eaten to symbolize the hardships faced during that time.
The fourth and final question, “Why is it that on all other nights we do not dip our food into anything, but on this night we dip it twice?” This question is related to the commandment to dip the parsley in salt water, representing the tears shed by the Jews during their slavery. The second dipping, into charoset, a mixture of fruits, nuts, and wine, symbolizes the mortar used by the Jews in their labor in Egypt.
The four questions on Passover are not only a means to educate children about the holiday but also a way to keep the traditions alive for generations to come. They serve as a reminder of the significance of freedom, the importance of remembering history, and the power of community. As Jews gather around the Seder table, these questions help to create a sense of unity and connection, ensuring that the story of the Exodus remains a vital part of Jewish identity.
