The Four Questions we ask at our Hunger Seder challenge us to consider what is different about this night. Only when we ask the right questions can we understand the causes of hunger and take action to end this unnecessary plight.

1. Why during this seder do we focus on hunger?

The Passover Seder celebrates liberation from bondage and the joy of freedom. But across our country, millions of Americans struggle to put enough nutritious food on the table and are bound by the hardship of their circumstances. As long as anyone continues to struggle with food insecurity, we will continue to dedicate this Hunger Seder to ending hunger and its causes.

2. Why do we need government support in addition to local charities that feed people?

Charitable organizations are not set up to feed every hungry person in their communities. Food pantries and distribution programs were created to provide support during temporary or emergency situations, not to solve systemic problems. Many are open only a few days a week and for a few hours of each day. They are largely volunteer run, often out of basements or closets at their local houses of worship, and they primarily distribute

food that has been donated from within their communities. These programs simply could never feed the number of people who need help. Government nutrition programs, on the other hand, have the capacity and flexibility to help millions of people get the food they need to lead healthy lives with dignity and choice.

3. What are the costs of hunger for our country?

Being hungry can be all-consuming and distracting, which in turn decreases productivity in working adults and negatively impacts the ability for unemployed individuals to find work. Seniors are particularly vulnerable when it comes to food insecurity and face serious health risks from nutritional deficiencies. Without sufficient food and proper nutrition, children are at a much greater risk for developmental problems, chronic health conditions, and poor academic performance, and they face reduced prospects for economic and professional achievement later in life. 

The many personal costs of hunger are magnified at the national level. In both the short and long term, having a substantial population of people struggling with hunger impedes our country’s economic prosperity for everyone. 

4. How could so many individuals and families still suffer from hunger when we live in a society of tremendous wealth?

The best adjective to accurately describe the amount of food available in the United States is "abundant." Yet, food insecurity affects astounding numbers of people in America. Hunger persists in this country not because of a lack of food, but because of a lack of political will. Now is the time to act and ensure that all people have access to affordable, nutritious food. 

We thank God for providing us wheat to make bread. In doing so, God gives us the tools we need to sustain ourselves and our communities. We have the tools to create a hunger-free world. It is our responsibility to use these tools to create a more just society.

(Leader lifts up a piece of matzah and invites all to eat a piece of matzah after the blessing.)

LEADER We join together in the blessing over the matzah:

Baruch ata Adonai Elohenu Melech ha’olam hamotzi lechem min ha’aretz.

Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.