To Ask Or Not To Ask - That Is The Question
By Rabbi Israel Rubin
Why the big fuss over the "Four Questions" on Passover night? Is it just a cute Seder opener? Is it meant only for the children's sake, to keep the kids awake and make them feel important? Or is it rather to make parents proud and give Bubby and Zaidy nachas when their little ones recite the "Mah Nishtana"?
In the Jewish tradition of answering one question with another, permit me to add yet another question to the aforementioned four. Why doesn't the Hagada bother to answer all of its questions? The Hagada explains the reasons for eating matza, bitter herbs and reclining at the Seder. But what's the reason for dipping twice during the Seder?
That's a good question and the answer is...just so you should ask! In all seriousness, the reason the rabbis instituted the custom of dipping a vegetable before the meal is specifically to make us wonder! It's there to pique and arouse the child's curiosity so that he/she should start asking questions.
The "Mah Nishtana" not only raises questions about the Seder-it also answers a basic question: "Is Judaism a blind dogma?"
The Four Questions teach us that asking questions isn't only a Passover ritual, but a healthy aspect of year round Jewish living. Not only does Judaism permit us to ask, it even encourages us. The best way to learn is by asking for, as our Sages tell us, "The shy cannot learn." Judaism doesn't feel threatened by questions, because it has the answers.
Even while faithfully following G‑d's mitzvot, the Torah wants us to learn and understand. Not that we pretend to know better than G‑d, for the limited human mind can't fully grasp Divine infinity. Yet, Judaism doesn't want us to be stifled and act out of ignorance, but to grow and learn. Like the sign says in the store: "If you don't see what you're looking for, please ask!"
The Talmud thrives on questions and answers, back and forth. Questions make us dig beneath the surface to discover the deeper meanings hidden within. Those who study the Torah are not fazed, do not give up or quit, if they don't understand at first. They constantly probe and question, mining the rich layers of golden brilliance on various levels to reach the essence of Torah.
Questions are so essential to Talmudic study that the sages valued and appreciated good questions even more than the answers. Over the ages, Rabbinic commentaries and Responsa blossomed as students continued their never-ending quest for deeper Torah knowledge.
Any questions?
printed in L'Chaim weekly magazine
