p.png?page=0&scale_percent=0

The Four Children and COVID-19A CONVERSATION FOR YOUR SEDER TABLEBy Jordan Namerow At Passover, we read the story of our ancestors’ journey from oppression to freedom. This year, as we grapple with the global pandemic of COVID-19, the struggle to find freedom from illness weighs heavily on our hearts and minds. How do we engage with our children when they ask us about this crisis?The Inquisitive ChildThe Inquisitive Child asks, “Why are people getting sick?”Discuss how the Seder teaches us that the highest expression of freedom is the ability to ask ‘Why?’ Help your children understand that illness is a part of life. We are still learning about COVID-19 but we know that viruses spread more quickly when people aren’t taking care of themselves or caring for each other. Explain that not everyone has the freedom to visit doctors or buy medicine.The Worried ChildThe Worried Child asks, “What if the virus keeps spreading and never stops?”Discuss how to manage fears and anxieties related to our schools, synagogues, and the broader world. Talk about ways to stay socially connected, mindful, grounded, and engaged in the present moment. The Talmud teaches, “Do not suffer from tomorrow’s trouble. Do not worry about the problems that might arise in the future as you do not know what a day will bring.” Reinforce the value that “Whoever acts from love is greater than who acts from fear.” Finally, explain that throughout history, people have faced many hardships and found ways to overcome them. That is a core message of the Passover story.The Compassionate ChildThe Compassionate Child asks, “What can I do to keep myself and others healthy andsafe?”Discuss how we are all interdependent. Talk about best practices


haggadah Section: -- Four Children