"So that you tell in the ears of your son and your son's son"

Written by Rabbanit Rut Manasseh a”h Submitted by Mrs. Sara Duani

"וּלְמַ֡עַן תְּסַפֵּר֩ בְּאָזְנֵ֨י בִנְךָ֜ וּבֶן־בִּנְךָ֗ אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר הִתְעַלַּ֙לְתִּי֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם וְאֶת־אֹתֹתַ֖י אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי בָ֑ם וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם כִּי־אֲנִ֥י ה' " (בא י": ב") 

And that you may recount in the hearing of your sons and of your sons’ sons how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and how I displayed My signs among them—in order that you may know that I am the Lord .” (Bo 10:2)

Why are we commanded to tell our children the story of the Exodus from Egypt? Why is there so much emphasis on children during the seder? The Ohr Hachaim poses a similar question. He asks why it is necessary to tell our children about the miracles and wonders that Hashem performed for us.

 

He explains that the whole purpose of the miracles, as witnessed during the ten plagues, was to strengthen the faith in the hearts of the Jewish people. The impression of Hashem's greatness had to be indelible, imprinted deep within their hearts and everlasting.

 

The Alshich Hakadosh expounds on this point saying that the fact that the Jewish people witnessed Hashem's greatness with their own eyes, reinforced their Emunah (faith). This powerful experience must be passed on to the next generations. It is a powerful tool to bring us closer to our Creator and follow His path.

 

Different communities have different customs and traditions concerning the involvement of the children at the seder. However, they all have one common factor - the evening revolves around the children. What a fantastic and amazing way to instill the faith in our children and nurture it.

 

This is a generation where many of us are experiencing hardship and pain in the process of trying to keep the flame of faith burning. Pesach is a wonderful opportunity to inspire our children, involve them and answer the unique needs and questions of each and every one of them.


haggadah Section: -- Four Questions