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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 children’s 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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