We Answer the Four Questions

All:You are to observe this event forever; you and your descendants. All the congregation of Israel is to celebrate it. The same law shall apply to the native as well as to the stranger who sojourns among you. ” Exodus 12: 24, 47, 49

Host: As people of faith and, therefore, descendants of Abraham, it is a duty and privilege to answer the four questions of Passover as part of the telling of the mighty works of our faithful God.

All: Why only Matzah?

Host: As the people of Israel were preparing for deliverance from Egypt, they did not have time for the dough to rise. God was painting a word picture, a tangible reminder for generations to come: His people must put away sin and live set apart unto Him.

All: A little leaven causes the whole bowl of dough to swell. (Galatians 5:6)

Host: Thus, for the Hebrews and us, abstaining from leaven symbolizes breaking the old cycle of sinful habits and starting out fresh from Egypt. They did not put away leaven in order to be redeemed; rather, they put away leaven because they were redeemed. During this season of Passover, may we break the old habits of sin and selfishness and begin a fresh, new, set apart life.

Host: (Lifting plate with matza):

This is the bread of affliction our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. Let all those who are hungry enter and eat, and all who are distressed come and celebrate Passover. Adonai invites us to participate in His salvation saying,

All: Come, all you who are thirsty. Come to the waters. You who have no money, come. Buy and eat! Why spend money on what is not bread and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord and He will have mercy on him, and turn to our God for He will freely pardon. (Isaiah 55:1, 6; Matthew 5:6, Acts 8; Revelation 22:17).


haggadah Section: -- Four Questions