Search Library

Children
Contributed by Gettysburg College Hillel

  • TOP HAGGADAHS FOR 2023

The discussion of the four children in the Haggadah was included in order to model how to teach the lesson of the Seder to children (and adults) with different learning styles. The Seder reminds us that having been oppressed ourselves, we have a responsibility to act upon injustice around us. Today, the four questions give us an opportunity to explore the most effective way to convey the importance of social justice to four different types of personalities: the wise, wicked, simple and innocent.

The wise child is interested and engaged and wants to learn more about Passover. This child understands the importance of social justice, but needs direction on how to follow through. The wise child is committed. We want to present this type of person with causes that they can get behind and encourage them to channel their commitment into actions that will have a meaningful

impact.

Traditionally the wicked child asks about Passover with extreme indifference, and as a result, the response is quite harsh. Because of their attitude, they are told that if they had been in Egypt, they would not have been liberated. The wicked child’s indifference to the plight of others contributes to their ongoing suffering. The Haggadah recommends that we shock them out of their complacency. We must show these personality types that by turning a blind eye to the suffering of others, they not only participate in the torment, but also ensure that they too will eventually suffer the same fate.

The simple child wants to know more about what’s going on, and so it’s important to take thetime to explain the lesson of the Seder. For this type of learner, direct, clear-cut responses are the most effective. The message is simple — because we were once slaves, we understand the importance of freedom and have a responsibility to help others who may still be oppressed. We show the simple child that out of the depths of darkness, it is possible to find the light.

The last child, sometimes referred to as innocent, does not know where to begin to ask questions. The traditional Haggadah recommends that we get them started — these children need some hand-holding. Perhaps individuals like this are not actually innocent, but rather so overwhelmedby the injustice in the world that they don’t know where to begin. We can help by focusing them on one cause that resonate and by pointing the way to small, tangible actions that will make a difference.

The four children remind us that regardless of the method — whether utilizing patience and

tenderness or a more direct, even harsh, approach — as former slaves, we must take an active stand against injustice. In the words of Rabbi A.J. Heschel, “The opposite of good is not evil, it is indifference.”
haggadah Section: -- Four Children

Featured clips


More clips from Gettysburg College Hillel