The Four Questions, and Answers From the Future

During the Passover Seder, we ask Four Questions. The answers to these questions harken to our past and our journey from Mitzrayim into the promised land. But we know that our journey continues, and as we look ahead, we offer new answers that call us into the future. 

1. On all other nights we eat leavened foods and matzah. Why on this night do we only eat matzah?

Traditional Answer- Matzah reminds us that our ancestors had to leave Egypt in haste. 

Answer from the Future- The time to act is now; we cannot afford to wait. Every day, we face attacks on our rights, and our communities and neighbors from those who seek to divide us. Even if we don’t have all the answers yet, when the time comes, we will act together. Our future depends on it.

2. On all other nights, we eat all vegetables. Why on this night do we eat only bitter herbs? 

Traditional Answer- The bitter herbs, maror, remind us of the bitterness of our slavery in Egypt. 

Answer from the Future- A sweeter future is ahead. But we must confront today’s bitterness, individually and collectively, before we meet it. So many people are trapped and cannot move freely, struggle to support and protect their families, and experience violence and danger.

3. On all other nights, we don’t dip our food even once. Why on this night do we dip our food twice?

Traditional Answer- Dipping our foods more than once symbolizes our freedom to eat in abundance.

Answer from the Future- In a world where so many do not have their basic needs met, we look towards a future where everyone has the luxury to eat slowly and savor their food. We dip twice as a symbol of a future where we ensure that everyone has what they need to thrive.

4. On all other nights, we sit or recline. On this night, why do we only recline?

Traditional Answer- We recline to commemorate our freedom and prosperity after our Exodus from Egypt.

Answer from the Future- In a future where all of us are safe and free, our minds and bodies will be at ease. We recline at the Seder to embody and truly feel this possibility. In our relaxed state, we grant ourselves, and all people, room to dream and create holistic visions of the world to come. Together, we rest and prepare ourselves for the journey required to make it real. 


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