"The Torah speaks of four types of children. One is wise. One is wicked. One is simple. And one does not even know how to ask. Is it possible that we are speaking about four different children? Can one be wholly wise and another wholly wicked? Rather, these are characteristics we all share. We have moments of insight and moments of cynicism. We have moments of confusion and moments of being so overwhelmed that we are unable to respond." -- Rabbi Rheins and Rabbi Rheins,  Celebrating Freedom: The New Haggadah

The wise child asks: "What is the meaning of the rules, laws and customs which the Eternal our God has commanded us?" You shall explain to this child all the details and laws of Passover, to the very last detail about the  Afikoman.

The wicked child asks: "What is this service to you?" To  you  and not to us. Because the child removes themself from the community, they have disavowed the importance of the Exodus. Thus you may respond with a rebuke: "This is done because of what Adonai did for me when I went free from Egypt." Emphasize  for me  and not  for you ; for the wicked child has drawn a line between themselves and the rest of Israel; had they been there, they would not have been redeemed. 

The simple child asks: "What is this?" You shall respond: "With a mighty arm Adonai redeemed us from Egypt, from the house of bondage." (Exodus 13:14)

As for the child who does not even know how to ask a question, you must begin for them, as it is written in the Torah, "You shall tell your child on that day, saying: 'This is done because of what Adonai did for me when I went free out of Egypt.'"

Raise the cup of wine, but do not drink, as you recite the following:

The promise made to our ancestors now sustains us. For multiple enemies have risen against us to destroy us. In every generation enemies have stood against us with the intent of destroying us. But the Holy One, Praised be God, has saved us from their hands.

Lower the wine glass without drinking from it.


haggadah Section: -- Four Children