What is the Passover Seder’s traditional set of four opening questions called?

Mah Nishtanah is the Passover Seder’s traditional set of four opening questions.

The Hebrew phrase means “What is different?” It begins with the question, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” The questions invite an explanation of unusual Seder practices, including eating matzah, eating bitter herbs, dipping foods, and reclining.

The questions are traditionally asked by the youngest child who is able to participate, although families adapt the custom in many ways. Their purpose is pedagogical: the Seder is designed to retell the Exodus story through discussion, symbolic foods, and ritual actions.

The answers are found in the Haggadah, the text used to guide the Seder. The exact wording and order can vary between traditions and languages. In many communities, the questions are sung, making Mah Nishtanah one of the best-known melodies associated with Passover.