Four Sons

The "Four Sons" refers to a traditional element of the Passover Seder, representing four different approaches to understanding and participating in the Exodus story and Jewish tradition. The Haggadah, the book read during the Seder, presents these four sons, each characterized by a unique question or lack thereof, and offers a distinct response tailored to their perspective.

The four sons are:

• The Wise Son (Chacham): This son inquires with understanding, asking "What are the testimonies, statutes, and laws that the Lord our God has commanded you?" He is engaged, curious, and seeks a comprehensive explanation. The response given to him involves detailing the complex laws and customs related to Passover.

• The Wicked Son (Rasha): This son asks, "What does this service mean to you?" By excluding himself from the collective "us" and asking "to you," he demonstrates a disinterest in the community and its traditions. The response is intended to challenge his exclusion and remind him that if he had been in Egypt, he would not have been redeemed.

• The Simple Son (Tam): This son simply asks, "What is this?" He seeks basic information but lacks the depth of understanding of the Wise Son or the cynicism of the Wicked Son. The response provided is a straightforward explanation of the Passover story and its significance.

• The Son Who Does Not Know How to Ask (She'eino Yodea Lish'ol): This son is unable or unwilling to formulate a question. The Haggadah instructs that we should "open the matter for him," meaning we must actively engage him in the Seder and explain the story and its meaning, even without his direct prompting.

The Four Sons are not meant to be literal representations of individuals, but rather symbolic archetypes that represent different levels of engagement with Jewish tradition. They provide a framework for discussion and encourage participants to consider the diverse perspectives within the Jewish community. The story of the Four Sons encourages education and understanding, regardless of the individual’s level of prior knowledge or engagement. The narrative emphasizes the importance of reaching out to those who are less informed or engaged, ensuring that the story of the Exodus is passed down to future generations.