Page 23 - Pesach-Haggadah-2025-RB
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The Four Questions
More so than any other festival, the Seder-night is dedicated to
children, because the Torah dictates that we must tell the history of
the Exodus to our children on this night. The Haggadah directs us to do
many unusual things to arouse the children's curiosity so that they will
want to know "why this night is different than all other nights."
Immediately following Kiddush the curiosities begin. We wash hands as
on each Shabbos or Festival, but on Seder-night we wash without a
blessing because we first eat karpas (a vegetable) and not bread. Just
as karpas whets our appetites for the matzah, so too, this unusual
procedure interests us in the secrets of this night. The four questions
expressing the childrens' interest are more than just a springboard for
our discussion. They are part of the answer - the best story is one you
want to hear! That is why the Sages say that even if you sit by yourself
on this night you should interest yourself in the material by asking the
four questions. People are inquisitive and should not be afraid to ask; if
you are embarrassed to ask, you do not learn. The custom of providing
treats for the children not only helps keep them awake, but also serves
as a stimulus for their questions, and as a reward for their participation.
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.םירוסא הצפה וא הקתעה ,שומיש לכ .רוא-ןפלואל תורומש תויוכזה לכ
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