The Four Daughters

Jewish tradition tells of four daughters with unique ways of understanding Passover: the wise daughter, the wicked daughter, the simple daughter, and the silent daughter. I will read their questions, and we will answer them together.

The wise daughter asks, “What are the laws that God has given us?” She is inquisitive, caring, and eager to learn.

Everyone together: “We must teach her the rules of Passover.”

The wicked daughter asks, “What does this service mean to you?” By using the word you and not us, this daughter is not including herself in the community. She is detached, suspicious, and challenging.

Everyone together: “This service helps US remember and learn from OUR people’s journey to freedom.”

The simple daughter asks, “What is happening?” She does not understand why we are here.

Everyone together: “We are telling the story of the ancient Israelites journey to freedom.”

The silent daughter does not know how to ask a question. She is quiet, searching for the right words, listening in silence.

Everyone together: “We help this daughter by telling the story of Exodus.”

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Some say the story of the Four Daughters is a metaphor for different attitudes toward tradition, toward belonging, and toward being active or passive in the face of injustice. At different points in our lives, we have been each of these children, and each person at our seder is coming from a different place. Which daughter do you relate to tonight?


haggadah Section: -- Four Children