Begging the question of Passover

Chances are that if you have come across the phrase "begging the question" before that it was not used according to its most proper meaning. This in fact does not beg the question "how then should "beg the question" be used because "raise the question" is not the meaning of "beg the question." In fact, to beg the question properly refers to a logical argument that assumes the conclusion in its premise. For example:"'begging the question' is often used wrong because its most popular use is incorrect." would be a proper use of "begging the question". This discussion doesn't actually beg the question "what does any of this have to do with Passover" because that's not what "beg the question means." But still, "what does any of this have to do with Passover?" I'm glad you asked.

It turns out that like "begging the question" there is a common and persistent translation of the ma nishtana as "Four questions" asking "Why is this night different from all other nights" But actually ma nishtana is more of statement declaring "How different is this night from all other nights!" The ma nishtana then goes on to list what stands out during the Passover celebration that makes us take notice.

Of course, like our usual understanding of "begging the question", part of saying the ma nishtana is actually to get the children to ask questions and remind the child within us to ask questions too. But all the observations in the ma nishtana lead us to the same conclusion: that this night is different in order to to deepen our appreciation for what we might take for granted on all other nights: that we are free people who have been liberated from crushing bondage and enslavement to the Pharaoh in Egypt. The question is begged in the original sense. The night is different because we are free and we are free because this night is different. There is no real logic to it. The point of the questions isn't to prove anything. The point of the questions is to deepen our appreciation, recognition, and above all personal connection to what it means to be free and how our shared story can infuse deeper meaning in our everyday lives. And that raises all kinds of questions for this night and every night.

May this holiday inspire us to even more awareness of the blessings and responsibilities of a people made free from slavery.

Chag sameach, a joyous Passover!