Maggid1

Maggid

The beginning of the Seder is graced with the children asking the 4 questions. This a time hallowed custom. You might ask “why is this necessary to do year in year out?”

The Torah tells us that we are commanded to relate the story of the Exodus primarily as an exchange between father and son. Each child asks his own question with his unique perspective. For each child we have to measure an appropriate response. There are no cookie cutter answers. Furthermore there are times when we don’t know the answer. In those instances we are supposed to say we don’t know but there is an answer.

Each child is encouraged to field questions. The type of questions asked will allow us to monitor the child’s progress or lack of such.

If the questions keep coming as “why must we always do the same boring thing?” or the like , it is likely that this child’s spiritual teaching is lacking. We must engage our children in give and take. For the conversation about the Exodus is for a lifetime!

So encourage the questions and don’t be afraid to say that’s a great question-let’s you and I do some research!