I ask of you a question, oh faithful nation

Why is today different from the rest of the year?

On Pesach day, we pray in a pleasant voice. Why now, in our sins, does our voice wail like a raven. Because the holy city is destroyed, by spears and the sword. Why has she become like a prostitute, the faithful city? Why is today different from the rest of the year?

On Pesach day, all of Israel is joyous. Why now, in our sins, are we groaning in mourning? Because the faithful are like leaves [which have been eaten by] the worm, killed by the head of the butchers. The day had been bitter like wormwood to the faithful nation. Why is today different from the rest of the year?

In times of old, the tribes of Israel were princes. Why now, in our sins, are we abandoned to the hands of strangers, and to the children of Moav and Hagar to be destroyed and plundered? We are refuted by him every year, the nation of little faith. Why is today different from the rest of the year?

In times of old, we were the head of nations. Why now, in our sins, are we beneath all of the nations -- Exiled and distressed in the hands of men of blood? Until when and where will this great nation be like a widow? Why is today different from the rest of the year?