Throughout our Seder we have been asking questions. Unlike the four questions of the Passover Seder, these questions are scattered throughout this Haggadah, and are much more personal. Yet, this night is unlike all other nights, and we might still ask:

Ma nishtana halaila hazeh mikol halailot?

On all other nights, we eat alone or with our families, but tonight we usher in a New Year as a whole community.

On all other Shabbat nights, we eat an oval-shaped challah, but tonight we at round challot to symbolize as one year ends, another immediately begins.

On all other nights, we save our dessert for last, but tonight we start our meal with sweetness.

On all other nights, our table conversation may just be about our day or our week, but tonight we reflect on an entire year.

Rosh HaShana also generally coincides with the start of the new school year. We look to the Chapters of the Ancestors from the MIshnah for insight on four types of students:


There are four types among those who study (Torah) with the sages: the sponge,
the funnel, the strainer, the sifter.
The sponge absorbs everything.
The funnel: in one end and out the other.
The strainer passes the wine, and retains the dregs.
The sifter removes the chaff and retains the groats.

(Pirkei Avot 5:17).

Most of us are each of these in turn, and any educator or parent must be willing to adjust their teaching to meet each learner where they are.

Now, an adult at the Seder will hide honey sticks. For each one a child under 12 years old find, they get a prize!


Booklet Section: New Year Blessings