Free people ask questions. We begin our Seder with questions. Although the custom is that the youngest at the table asks, tradition instructs that all must ask:

מַהנִּשְׁתַּנָּההַלַּֽיְלָההַזֶּהמִכָּלהַלֵּילות

Ma nishtana halaila hazeh mikol haleilot?

Why is this night different from all other nights?

שֶׁבְּכָלהַלֵּילוֹתאָֽנוּאוֹכליןחָמֵץוּמַצָּההַלַּֽיְלָההַזֶּהכֻּלּוֹמצה

Shebichol haleilot anu ochlin chameitz u-matzah. Halaila hazeh kulo matzah.

On all other nights we eat both leavened bread and matzah. Tonight we only eat matzah.

שֶׁבְּכָלהַלֵּילוֹתאָֽנוּאוֹכְלִיןשְׁאָריְרָקוֹתהַלַּֽיְלָההַזֶּהמָרוֹר

Shebichol haleilot anu ochlin shi’ar yirakot haleila hazeh maror.

On all other nights we eat all kinds of vegetables, but tonight we eat bitter herbs.

שֶׁבְּכָלהַלֵּילוֹתאֵיןאָֽנוּמַטְבִּילִיןאֲפִילוּפַּֽעַםאחָתהַלַּֽיְלָההַזֶּהשְׁתֵּיפְעמים

Shebichol haleilot ain anu matbilin afilu pa-am echat. Halaila hazeh shtei fi-amim.

On all other nights we aren’t expected to dip our vegetables one time. Tonight we do it twice.

שֶׁבְּכָלהַלֵּילוֹתאָֽנוּאוֹכְלִיןבֵּיןיוֹשְׁבִיןוּבֵיןמְסֻבִּין. :הַלַּֽיְלָההַזֶּהכֻּלָּֽנוּמְסֻבין

Shebichol haleilot anu ochlin bein yoshvin uvein m’subin. Halaila hazeh kulanu m’subin.

On all other nights we eat either sitting normally or reclining. Tonight we recline.

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A recent study by the psychologist Arthur Aron (and others) explores whether personal connection between two strangers can be accelerated by having them ask each other a specific series of 36 personal questions. We've selected three of them here to serve as our Four Questions to meet new friends.

In order to get to know each other a little better, select a question from the list below and ask your neighbor:

  1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
  2. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
  3. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
  4. What meal makes you feel at home? Why?

haggadah Section: -- Four Questions