The Fourth Step: Just One Question

There is a famous misnomer in the seder that the four questions are four different questions when, in fact, it is only one question with four answers. To be fair, the one question is asked in four different ways, but it is still one question, which is: “What makes this night different from all other nights?” What’s more, is that even the four children (wise, wicked, simple, and one that doesn’t know how to ask) are only asked one question, which is: “What do you say to them?”

“Okay, Rabbi, so what?” I am so glad you asked. Because questions create. Literally.

The most incredible thing about every single question is that it creates. Just one question can create worlds of answers, truths, and ideas. This is why questions and the interrogations of ideas are such a central part of what it is to be Jewish.

The single versus four question conundrum in the Passover seder is especially interesting because what this misnomer teaches us is that we can (and do) naturally thrive at holding many correct truths at once. Whether you are asking the youngest at your seder table to ask the four questions or determining which of the four children you are this year, you are weighing four truths against one question. Can you imagine if society had a similar capacity for holding nuance and multiple truths at the same time? It would be more free, less oppressive, and less exclusive.

Questions create freedom and opportunity for growth, change, and enlightened awareness.

What is your one question this year? What are you curious about, frustrated by, or yearning to interrogate that will create space and guide you on your journey to freedom? Just one question, even if it has four good and true answers.

Looking forward to the journey together,

Rabbi Jeff