Questions to Enhance Your Seder Table

Curated by Rabbi Daniel & Rachel Kraus

1. Remember and share a time about an ancestor who had a physical or spiritual struggle. How did it shape that person and how has it inspired you?

2. Reflect on your life. If you can, identify a time of physical or spiritual struggle. How has it generated growth for you?

3. Reflect on your daily life. Where do you feel most challenged? Is it professional? Is it a particular relationship? Identity?

4. Passover celebrates many miracles, such as the Ten Plagues, the splitting of the sea etc. What makes a miracle? What modern day miracles have you witnessed?

5. How do rituals like that of the Seder keep your family and community together? What rituals do you remember from growing up?

6. On Passover, we remember the plight of our ancestors’ struggle for freedom. We also remember the suffering of the Egyptians. Where are other people suffering in the world today? How can you help?

7. As the ‘new employee’ at the matzah factory, you are asked to create a new flavor of matzah. Describe the flavor. Would you make it in a different shape?

8. Why do you think the story of Exodus is so important? Why do we have to keep telling this story?

9. What is slavery? Where does slavery exist today?

10. If you could invite any historical or living person to your Seder, who would it be? Why?

11. What was the best gift you ever received for the Afikoman?

12. Moses had a fear of public speaking. What do you fear? Why?

13. Do you have any family heirlooms used only on Passover? What are they?

14. If the prophet Elijah walked through the door and sat down in his chair, what would be the first thing you would ask him?

15. “Tradition! Tradition!” Does your family have a special Passover tradition or ritual?

16. What is the largest Seder you have been to? How many people were there? What was it like?

17. Jelly, butter or cream cheese? What is your favorite spread on matzah?

18. Is there a special family recipe used on Passover? Who is it from and when was it first used?

19. If you had to leave in haste, what three things would you take with you and why?

20. How is this year different for you?

The Seder is the night of questions. We dramatize and narrate through symbols and experiences, all for the purpose of evoking and provoking questions. These questions prompt discussion, reflection, laughter and debate, and are suitable for all ages and backgrounds.

We cut these out, fold them into little squares, and have each person pick one out of a bowl.