Leader:

As we tell the story of Passover, filled with the injustice of and freedom from slavery, we recognize parallels in the modern world. Our tradition speaks of four different types of children (wise, wicked, simple, and unaware). In modern times, there are four parallel reactions to the Passover Seder. Recognizing different views toward injustice, it is our job to make our history accessible to all, so that each is empowered to use the lessons found within.

Reader 1:

What does the aware person ask? “What are the ways in which the suffering of others is not yet addressed? How can I address it?” You should answer, even when such questions make you uncomfortable: “As Proverbs teaches, speak up for the rights of the unfortunate. Speak up, judge righteously, be a champion for others.”

Reader 2:

What does the skeptical person ask? “What does the suffering of others have to do with you? Their misfortune does not affect me.” Notice the focus on the self. The skeptical person stays far removed from suffering and has lost the essence of our teachings. You might ask this person, “If you do not lift a finger now, who will redeem those who languish in slavery? If not you, then who?”

Reader 3:

What does the curious person ask? “What’s this all about?” Do not scoff at apparent ignorance. Teach this person: “God brought us out of the affliction of slavery. We must use our strength to abolish slavery around the world. We cannot stop our work until there are no longer any slaves, anywhere.”

Reader 4:

For the person who does not know to ask, you must begin the conversation. Open their eyes to what is going on. There are millions of people currently living in slavery, many of whom are children. Surely this is our legacy: we understand what slavery is like and must help free those who remain enslaved.

Leader:

Some say that The Four Children is a metaphor for four different attitudes toward tradition, toward belonging and toward being active or passive in the face of injustice.  Some say it is about stages of life, from childhood, through adolescence and into adulthood.

In the spirit of telling the story of Exodus and different attitudes that one might take to one's communal and global responsibilities, think about your relationship to your tradition, the people from whom or the place from which you come and the events taking place there.

- Do you understand what is going on?

- Do you feel any obligation to do anything about it?

- What would you do if you could?

- What should you tell your children about it?


haggadah Section: -- Four Children