As we tell the story, we think about it from all angles. Our tradition speaks of four different types of children who might react differently to the Passover seder. It is our job to make our story accessible to all the members of our community, so we think about how we might best reach each type of child:

The Wise One says: "What is the meaning of the rules, laws and practices which God has commanded us to observe?" You shall tell him the story of Exodus and shall teach him Torah, midrash, and commentary, down to the last detail.

The Wicked One says: "What is the meaning of this service to you?" You shall tell her "I do this because of the wonderful things which God did for me when God brought me out of Egypt." You shall say "for me," not "for us," because in asking what the service means "to you" she has made it clear that she does not consider herself a part of the community for whom the ritual has meaning.

The Simple One asks: "What is this?" You shall tell him of the deliverance from the house of bondage.

The One Who Does Not Know How to Question, for her your must open the way.


haggadah Section: -- Four Children