The “Four Questions” or “Mah Nishtana” had its origin in the Mishna in Masechet Psachim. It is not really limited to children, as the questions asked are meant to involve all of the people in attendance at the Seder.

The main point to be emphasized is that the best way to learn is by asking questions. The focus of the evening is the importance of involving the children.

Things are done very differently from a regular Shabbat or festive meal. This is also designed to get them to ask why this night is different from all other nights.

This special evening is meant to be a mini course in Jewish History. We review our past and we show appreciation for all of the abundant gifts we have received from Hashem. If our Seder was effective, we understand how lucky we are to be Jewish.

We learn from this Seder experience that we cannot stifle our children or students. There was a time when children were told, “Don’t ask any questions. Just do it.” In our complex society, when there are so many choices of various life paths, we must be able to provide good answers to all questions that are asked. Pesach teaches us that we should encourage young people to ask questions. And it is our duty to provide them with good answers.

On a more humorous note, a Gentile comedian described being invited to a Seder. He was told that he was going to be served a delicious, lavish meal. He did not eat all day in anticipation of the great meal that was promised to him. He said, “I was all ready to eat but they handed out these booklets to read that took a while to read. I kept asking myself when the food would finally come!”

We also anticipate the delicious food, but we understand that the questions asked and answered, make the festive meal all the more special.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)