There are four children – one wise, one scornful, one simple, and one innocent.

The wise child is intellectually curious. She asks – “What is the meaning of the laws and observances which God has commanded you?”

In response we explain the observances of Pesach in detail.

The scornful child is intentionally vague and haughty. He asks – “What does this service mean to you?”

The child says “to you” and does not feel part of our observances. We tell him that, by excluding herself, he would not have been redeemed had he been in Egypt. We ask him to listen closely and become part of our traditions and learn what the Seder means.

The simple child asks – “What is this ceremony about?” We say, “We are remembering a time long ago when we were forced to work as slaves. God made us a free people and we are celebrating our freedom.” We hope that by observing the Seder year after year, she will come to appreciate the message of Pesach.

The innocent child doesn’t think to question. To him we say, “Every year we remember how we were brought out of slavery to freedom.”

Some rabbis remind us that there is also a fifth child... the one who is not at this table. This is the person who should be with us, but is not... and we mark her absence.


haggadah Section: -- Four Children
Source: Various