The Torah mentions children four times in connection with the Exodus story. Rabbinic midrash (commentary) explains that this represents four different types of children: the wise, the wicked, the simple, and the one who does not know enough to ask. of course, each of us can demonstrate these and other contradictory qualities at one point or another in our lives. During the seder, we should tell the Passover story in a manner that welcomes debate. We are encouraged to understand the Exodus story through the different perspectives of those around us. It is also our challenge to apply this openness to the world around us in our day-to-day lives. Who are the people in our lives whom we listen to? Are we open to ideas different from our own? Whose are the voices in our communities that are silenced? Do we seek out the perspectives of communities different from our own? Whose voices are we too distanced from to hear, and what keeps us divided? While it is traditional for children to ask their parents question during the seder, asking questions is not only for children – according to the Talmud, even two wise and learned people having a seder together should ask one another questions, and even one person having a seder alone should ask him or herself questions.

A discussion can take place regarding with which of the four children each guest identifies most, followed by a consideration of which populations are currently "unable to ask," who might be considered "simple," and more.


haggadah Section: -- Four Children