Reading time 7 mins

If there’s a single evening each year that embodies the heart of Jewish tradition, it is the Passover Seder. Far from a simple narration, the Seder immerses every participant in the Exodus journey by weaving together ritual, storytelling, and lively discussion. Even someone celebrating alone engages in questioning—a practice reflecting the enduring Jewish commitment to curiosity and learning. Through this interplay of questions and answers, hands-on participation, and the retelling of our ancestors’ journey from bondage to freedom, we ensure that each new generation inherits and embraces the values at the core of our heritage.

The Four Core Sections of the Haggadah

Rabbi Yossef Tzvi Rimon interprets the Haggadah as moving through four main segments, each containing:

1. Questions – Curiosities and prompts that open the conversation.
2. Story – The account of our ancestors, beginning with slavery and culminating in redemption.
3. Shevach (Praise) – Expressions of gratitude for our deliverance, frequently conveyed through blessings, songs, and praises.

These segments correlate with the “Four Children” (the Wise, the Rebellious, the Simple, and the One Who Does Not Know How to Ask), illustrating different approaches to learning and engagement:

1. Part 1
   • Questions: “Ma Nishtana” (Why is this night different?)
   • Story: Begins with “’’Abadim Hayinu” (We were slaves in Egypt)
   • Shevah (Praise): Concludes with “Baruch HaMakom” (Blessed is the Omnipresent)
2. Part 2
   • Questions: The Four Children, each posing or failing to pose a question.
   • Story: “MiTehila Obde Aboda Zara Hayu Abotenu” (Initially, our ancestors worshipped idols)
   • Shevah (Praise): “Baruch Shomer Havtachato” (Blessed is He Who keeps His promise)
3. Part 3
   • Questions: “Se Ulmad” (Examine what Lavan attempted regarding our forefather Yaakov)
   • Story: Scriptural exploration of our people’s experiences
   • Shevah (Praise): “Kamah Ma’alot Tobot laMakom ‘Alenu” (How many gifts has God granted us!)
4. Part 4
   • Questions and Story Together: Rabban Gamliel on the significance of Pesah, Massa, and Maror
   • Shevah (Praise): Culminates in “Lefichach,” launching into songs and thankfulness for redemption

Important Guidelines and Practices

• Leaning
  • The Four Cups of wine and the required matzah are eaten reclining to the left, symbolizing liberty.
  • Maror is consumed without leaning, reflecting the bitterness of slavery.
  • All other foods can be enjoyed either reclining or upright.
• Matzah Amount
  • The halakhic measure for matzah is an olive-sized portion (kezayit).
  • Many authorities approximate one kezayit as about 2.5 ounces, though as little as 1 ounce may suffice for those unable to eat more.
  • Those who are unwell or have difficulty eating large quantities can rely on the smaller measure.
• Discussion and Questions
  • Active participation through questioning and dialogue is strongly encouraged.
  • Consider preparing a brief idea (around 60 seconds) to share, enhancing the collective learning.
• Wine Amount
  • Each of the Four Cups should hold at least 3.5 ounces; drinking the majority of that cup fulfills the mitzvah.
  • Smaller cups can make it easier to consume the necessary amount.