What are the four Passover questions? These questions, known as the “Mah Nishtanah” (Hebrew for “What is different?”), are central to the Seder, the traditional Jewish ritual meal that commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. They are designed to engage participants in an interactive discussion about the significance of the holiday and to deepen their understanding of the Passover story. Let’s explore these questions and their meanings.
The first question, “Why is it that on all other nights we eat leavened bread, but on this night we eat unleavened bread?” (Mah Nishtanah ha-lachma ha-etzah l’chol ha-oshrei b’ayomim ha-hem, ve-ha-laylah ha-zeh lechem ‘arur? Mah Nishtanah ha-lachma ha-etzah), highlights the unique aspect of Passover that distinguishes it from other Jewish holidays. The answer lies in the fact that during the Exodus, the Israelites had no time to let their bread rise, and thus they ate unleavened bread, known as matzah. This question serves as a reminder of the haste in which the Israelites left Egypt and the importance of freedom from oppression.
The second question, “Why is it that on all other nights we eat all kinds of meat, but on this night we eat bitter herbs?” (Mah Nishtanah ha-lachma ha-etzah l’chol ha-oshrei b’ayomim ha-hem, ve-ha-laylah ha-zeh maror? Mah Nishtanah ha-lachma ha-etzah), prompts an examination of the suffering and hardship endured by the Israelites in Egypt. Bitter herbs, such as horseradish or romaine lettuce, symbolize the bitterness of slavery and serve as a reminder of the Israelites’ past struggles.
The third question, “Why is it that on all other nights we eat all kinds of drinks, but on this night we drink four cups of wine?” (Mah Nishtanah ha-lachma ha-etzah l’chol ha-oshrei b’ayomim ha-hem, ve-ha-laylah ha-zeh she-loshim k’kham? Mah Nishtanah ha-lachma ha-etzah), delves into the significance of the four cups of wine that are traditionally poured during the Seder. These cups represent the four expressions of redemption from the Exodus: “I will bring you out,” “I will rescue you,” “I will redeem you,” and “I will take you to be My people.” This question reinforces the importance of freedom and the Jewish people’s relationship with God.
The fourth and final question, “Why is it that on all other nights we eat sitting or reclining, but on this night we recline?” (Mah Nishtanah ha-lachma ha-etzah l’chol ha-oshrei b’ayomim ha-hem, ve-ha-laylah ha-zeh yachol l’karchah? Mah Nishtanah ha-lachma ha-etzah), addresses the concept of freedom and the joy associated with it. Reclining during the Seder symbolizes the newfound freedom of the Israelites, who were no longer slaves and could sit or lie down without fear of oppression.
In conclusion, the four Passover questions are an integral part of the Seder and serve to deepen our understanding of the holiday’s significance. They remind us of the past, present, and future of the Jewish people, and their answers are a testament to the enduring power of freedom, redemption, and joy.
