Pesach is a time to ask questions and to reflect on ourselves. Throughout the Haggadah, we are supposed to ask questions, and sometimes we forget that it’s not only the straightforward questions that are written.

Part of the Seder consists of the four questions that help us look upon what is different this night from all others. Go beyond that and ask yourself, How are you different tonight than other nights? It could be something as simple as you dressing festively or it can be something essential like feeling more spiritual. In addition, when we talk about the four sons, reflect on which of them you are and think, Do you want to continue to be that son or change?

Shortly after, it says that we started as idol worshipers, and now look around to the nation we have become. Don’t glance over this part of how we became who we are, because it has a purpose. It is in the Haggadah to show us how much we grew.

We are supposed to feel like we left Egypt, so what was your Egypt that you had to go through and where did you start? Question yourself to see how you grew this past year and think about how you can grow next year. B’ezrat Hashem next Pesach you can say that this Pesach was different for you from any other because you have changed for the better. You weren’t an idol worshiper this year but maybe you lacked spirituality, were tempted to eat non-kosher, or struggled with Judaism.

Whatever little thing it is, the Haggadah shows that it can be improved and is not something that defines you because we can all change. Use the Haggadah to help you guide yourself and ask the hard questions.

By Shira Sedek