Four Children, Slightly Updated

Haggadah Section: -- Four Children

In our tradition, four types of children were outlined that might have different responses to the Passover Seder. Some of us may have been all four, at different times! Nonetheless, the ancients, much like us moderns, had their advice on how to respond to each type.

The wise and curious child asks, “Why do we celebrate Passover? How do we celebrate Passover? Why do it in that way? How can we improve Passover?”

Advice: Teach this child the rules and customs of observing Passover, and explain the traditions and history that underlay those customs. This includes the ancient and discarded tradition of ending all entertainment and eating with the Afikomen. (The current custom in our family is to hold a search for the Afikomen and pay whomever finds it a ransom; this is a reminder of the old custom.) Point out some ideas for improving the Seder, if you feel like it.

The rebellious child asks, “What does this service mean to you? Why should I join in?”

The child excludes himself or herself when he or she says, “to you”! He or she obviously misses the point, so explain, “It is because of what God did for ME when God took ME out of Egypt”. “Me”, not “us”, because such a child would not have been worthy of liberation. He or she fails to realize that freedom brings responsibility.

The simple child, bewildered, asks, “What is all this?”

The simple child desires a simple answer. Tell him or her, “With a strong and outstretched hand, God freed us from Egypt, where we were slaves. This is what we’re celebrating.”

Then there’s the child who can’t think of anything to ask.

This child needs an icebreaker. Start telling the story: “This is because of what God did for us when taking us out of Egypt.”

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Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
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