What does the wise child ask? “What is the meaning of the decrees, laws, and rules that the Eternal One our God has commanded us?” (Deuteronomy 6:20). You should tell this child all the laws of Pesach down to the last detail, saying that nothing should be eaten after the afikoman.

What does the wicked child ask? “What does this ritual mean to you ?” (Exodus 12:26). To you and not to this child. Since this child withdraws from the community and denies God’s role in the Exodus, challenge the child by replying, “This is done because of what the Eternal One did for me when I went out of Egypt.” (Exodus 13:8). For me and not for you. Had you been there you would not have been redeemed. 

What does the simple child ask? “What is this?” You shall say to that child, “It is with a mighty hand that the Eternal One brought us out of Egyptian Bondage.” (Exodus 13:14).

To the child who does not know enough to ask, you should begin as it is written, “You shall explain to your child on that day, ‘It is because of what the Eternal One did for me when I went free from Egypt’” (Exodus 13:8)

Because at different times in our lives we are wise and wicked, simple and silent, these four children represent the different aspects of our selves. We hear their voices and their questions as we tell the story of the Exodus.


haggadah Section: -- Four Children
Source: A Night of Questions