For centuries, Jews have asked four simple yet profound questions during the Passover Seder, reflecting both strength and intellect. In questioning, we are challenging the known traditions in the hopes of enhancing our knowledge rather than blindly accepting things we do not fully understand. In Judaism, the act of questioning is encouraged, as it reflects a deep curiosity and a drive for reflection. To simply accept things as they have been told to you, without questioning, is seen as more harmful than beneficial. Historically, we have seen the importance of questioning in Jewish education and how it yields positive results in society, and we continue to see the benefits of this Jewish virtue today.

In Judaism, raising questions is one of the key ways people learn. The Talmud, a central text in Jewish law and thought, embodies this ideology. The Talmud consists of lively conversations and debates among rabbis, students, and scholars, with questions continuously being asked, answered, and followed up by even more questions. Another space where we're encouraged to question what we've been taught and think more deeply about what we know is during the drash each Shabbat. Often beginning with a question or a quote, we are challenged to explore critically the meaning of a specific verse and consider how it applies to our society today. You leave the sermon feeling like you've just taken part in a meaningful and important conversation—one that reminds you how easily our understanding of things can shift depending on perspective. And you walk away inspired to make a difference in your community.

This value of inquiry is powerfully illustrated during Passover and in the teachings of Jewish scholars throughout history. The Four Questions represent a desire to deepen our understanding of rituals, values, and principles as we know them. By questioning things, we are forced to ask questions such as:  "Why is it that we are doing this?" or "What does this even mean?"—rather than taking it in at face value. Maimonides, the great 12th-century Jewish philosopher and physician, made lasting contributions to the ethical principles of medicine. Maimonides argued in his medical writings that practicing medicine was not merely a technical skill, but a sacred duty—one that requires not only intellect but compassion, humility, and a commitment to serving others. For Maimonides, the ultimate purpose of medicine was to align physical healing with a sense of moral responsibility.

This age-old practice of collaborative questioning lives on today in educational spaces, where students challenge each other and themselves to think more deeply. When people with different perspectives are encouraged to not only question one another’s ideas but also challenge their own, the results can be transformative- it is the idea that all of these great Jewish thinkers had in mind when doing so themselves. The process of actively engaging in discussions fosters a deeper understanding and invokes critical thinking skills, which are needed for personal growth. Historically, change has come when there have been people who were able to take a step back and realize that maybe something did need to be questioned.

I’ve always been encouraged to ask questions until there’s nothing left to question. While in many cultures, constantly questioning what others say can be considered rude, in Judaism, it is an essential part of learning and self-growth. The value of questioning is not only preserved but actively practiced in classrooms, synagogues, and communities today, where curiosity is nurtured and dialogue is welcomed. When we question, we show that we care. When we challenge, we open the door to growth. And when we reflect, we carry traditions forward—honoring the past while shaping a more thoughtful and compassionate future.