The Four Questions - Mah Nish-Tanah

by Lisa Weinberger | More from this Blogger

05 Apr 2006 08:53 PM

During the Passover Seder, the youngest family member asks the four questions. Most children learn how to sing them in Hebrew but also learn what the meaning is and the answers to them.

Why is this night different from all other nights? - Overall question

Mah nish-tanah ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh mi-kol ha-lay-loht, mi-kol ha-lay-loht?

1) On all other nights, we may eat chametz and matzah. Why on this night do we only eat matzah?

She-b'khol ha-lay-loht anu okh-lin cha-meytz u-mat-zah, cha-meytz u-mat-zah. Ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh, ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh, koo-loh mat-zah.

2) On all other nights, we eat many vegetables. Why on this night do we eat maror?

She-b'khol ha-lay-loht anu okh-lin sh'ar y'ra-kot, sh'ar y'ra-kot. Ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh, ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh, ma-ror.

3) On all other nights, we do not dip even once. Why on this night do we dip twice?

She-b'khol ha-lay-loht ayn anu mat'bi-lin ah-fi-lu pa'am eh-chat, ah-fi-lu pa'am eh-chat. Ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh, ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh, sh'tay p'ah-mim.

4) On all other nights, we eat either sitting or reclining. Why on this night do we all recline?

She-b'khol ha-lay-loht anu ok-hlin bayn yosh'bin u'vayn m'soo-bin, bayn yosh'bin u'vayn m'soo-bin. Ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh, ha-lahy-lah ha-zeh, koo-lanu m'soo-bin.

Happy Pesach!!!

Learn more about Lisa Weinberger

Lisa Weinberger began her career as a teacher and private tutor 15 years ago, and has taught preschoolers to adults. Lisa spent 4 months in Israel teaching English to Israeli students.

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Jaime Egan (2178) 08 Apr 2006 12:56 AM

Awesome job, there! Guess what? I am 25 and am STILL the youngest one who is old enough to read Hebrew. I think my sister said that she is going to try to help my nephew this year...

Lisa Weinberger (1623) 08 Apr 2006 08:35 PM

I am the oldest of my siblings; my cousins are all older than me BUT somehow I was always stuck singing the four questions! Because I was a Hebrew tutor for a few years, they just looked at me to pick up the slack. Eventually, I finally suggested that we all sing them together. That worked except it was myself and sisters seemed to be the only ones singing. Talk about a great Hebrew Education!