The Kabbala of Questions

In Parashas Metzora, we learn about the power of speech as it applies to the Jew.  There are two dimensions of speech. An earthly, perhaps mundane, dimension and a loftier, more elevated, dimension. This higher level of speech is the same speech through which Hashem created the world. As Jews, we are expected to use our speech carefully and in a holy way - to speak with the higher dimension of Dibbur. When we fall and use our speech for unholy purposes we become afflicted with Tzaraas.

Perhaps the central theme of the Seder night is the questions. Every Haggadah you open is full of questions. We refer to the four sons and their questions, the fourth of whom is referred to as the one who does not know how to ask. This  implies that the act of questioning is a virtue and that it is not a sin to question. When we ask a question, we open up a space for answers and wider discussion.

It is interesting that while asking questions is encouraged throughout the year, it is more markedly encouraged on Pesach night. Why is this so? Why is this night different than all other nights of the year?

I’d like to suggest that the questions we ask on Pesach night are from the holy dimension of speech that we discussed above. Let me explain:

Pesach is a combination of the words peh sach - “the mouth speaks.” The redemption from Mitzrayim also redeemed the faculty of speech. This speech contains within it the secret of our mesorah which is passed through the generations. For this reason, Pesach is commemorated with a mitzvah of speech, the mitzvah to retell the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim.

As we use speech for a mitzvah, we are careful to use the loftier dimension of speech. As such, one may make the common, yet unhealthy, mistake that questions fall into the dimension of mundane speech and therefore should not be asked. Therefore, Chazal taught us that, the contrary is true, on Pesach our Dibbur was emancipated. The ability to ask questions is the ability to tap into that higher sphere of holiness. After we ask the questions, we go on to have a meaningful discussion about Yetzias Mitzrayim, eat a holy Seudah, and then use our newly acquired holy tongue to sing praises to Hashem from an elevated dimension.