The Four Questions, known collectively as Ma Nishtana, are among the most memorable and recognisable parts of the Passover Seder.
Recited traditionally by the youngest person at the table, these questions set the tone for the evening and invite everyone to explore the rich meaning behind Passover customs.
For families across the UK, from London to Manchester to Glasgow, the moment of Ma Nishtana often combines tradition, education, joy, and nostalgia.
1. What Are the Four Questions?
The Four Questions are recited early in the Seder, usually after Kadesh (sanctification) and Urchatz (ritual handwashing).
Found in the Haggadah, they highlight what makes the night of Passover different from all other nights.
Traditional Hebrew opening:
“Ma nishtana ha-layla ha-zeh mi-kol ha-leylot?” — “Why is this night different from all other nights?”
- Eating matzah instead of leavened bread
- Eating bitter herbs (maror)
- Dipping foods twice
- Reclining while eating
2. Why Are the Four Questions Recited?
- To Spark Curiosity: Judaism values questions as a foundation of learning. The Seder encourages conversation.
- To Involve Children: Ma Nishtana gives children an active role in the ceremony.
- To Set Up Storytelling: The questions lead naturally into the Maggid — the story of the Exodus.
- To Highlight the Uniqueness of the Night: Encourages families to explore the deeper meaning.
3. A Brief History of Ma Nishtana
The tradition dates back thousands of years. Early Jewish children would ask spontaneous questions at the Seder. Rabbinic sages later formalised four core questions. By the Middle Ages, Ma Nishtana became standard in both Sephardi and Ashkenazi Haggadot. Today, it is celebrated from Stamford Hill to Edgware to Leeds.
4. The Four Questions Explained in Detail
- Why Do We Eat Matzah? Symbolises poverty, haste, humility, and freedom.
- Why Do We Eat Bitter Herbs? Reminds of suffering under Egyptian oppression. Often horseradish or romaine lettuce is used in the UK.
- Why Do We Dip Twice? Karpas into saltwater, Maror into charoset — symbolising tears, mortar, bitterness, and sweetness.
- Why Do We Recline? Symbolises freedom. Leaning left recalls the liberation of the Israelites.
5. Role of Children
Children often sing or recite the questions, fostering pride, excitement, and engagement. Adults participate when no children are present.
6. Ma Nishtana & Passover Themes
- Freedom vs. slavery
- Memory and storytelling
- Bitterness and redemption
- Humility
- Family unity and tradition
7. Variations in UK Jewish Communities
Ashkenazi: Traditional melodies, horseradish as maror, avoid kitniyot.
Sephardi: Different tunes, romaine lettuce for maror, rice & legumes allowed.
Chabad-Lubavitch: Youngest male recites, emphasis on singing loudly and involving children.
8. Teaching Ma Nishtana to Children
Methods include printable sheets, YouTube videos, iPad apps, practice with grandparents, and school activities.
9. Educational Value
Builds public speaking, literacy, understanding of heritage, storytelling skills. For adults, encourages reflection and conversation.
10. Ma Nishtana in British Culture
Across the UK, from London to Bournemouth to Margate, Ma Nishtana is a nostalgic and educational highlight of community Seders.
11. Why the Questions Still Matter
Encourages curiosity, conversation, emotional connection, and generational continuity — keeping the Seder alive and meaningful.