Traditionally, we are commanded to teach our children the customs and stories of Passover. The Talmud (a collection of ancient rabbinic teachings on Jewish law and tradition) suggests four different archetypes of children. According to the Talmud:

The Wise child might ask: "What is the meaning of the laws and rules which our G-d has commanded us?" We should explain to this child in great detail all the laws and customs of Passover.

The Wicked child might ask: "What does this service mean to you?"

Since this child distances themself from participating in the community, we answer, “We celebrate Passover because of what G-d did for us. If you had been in Mitzrayim, you would not have been included when we were delivered from bondage.”

The Typical child might ask: " What is this all about? "

We answer simply that, “with a mighty hand G-d took us out of Mitzrayim”

What about the child Who Doesn’t Know Enough to Ask a Question?

We must explain to this child why we observe Passover, to remember the story of Exodus.

We understand these archetypes to represent various orientations that each of us takes on at different times, in different contexts. Sometimes, we are wise - ready to receive the nuance and complexity before us. Sometimes, we willfully separate ourselves from community, forgetting that we act in joint struggle; that our fates are linked to those around us. Sometimes, we need to be reminded to speak plainly, to return to a core principle at the heart of the matter, and to let go of the details that make it appear more complicated than it is. Sometimes, we do not know where to begin; we do not even know enough to ask. In those moments, we rely on the generosity and patience of others to help us see what we may not yet see


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