Rabbi's Parsha Shiur

SHABBAT HAGADOL - METZORA - PESACH EDITION

THE PESACH SEDER

An Evening to Connect the Disconnected

                 More than other festival in our calendar, Pesach is a family holiday. No Yom Tov in our calendar places more emphasis on parents and children than does Pesach.

             Even those who have strayed far from their ancestral faith remember with warmth and nostalgia, the seder of perhaps a zayda or a father.

          Pesach has a magnetic pull and call to Jews to return to their roots, to their parental homes and to the ideals of a simpler, more readily understood time and place.

       And that is why so much emphasis during this holiday is placed on teaching and explaining to children — on encouraging children to ask questions and to seek answers at the seder.

          The Torah speaks of four sons, a wise son, an evil son, a simple son and a son who is not able to ask a question.

It is significant that the Torah uses different terminology in discussing these children. As the long awaited exodus is about to commence, Moses is told “ulman tesapare — in order that you tell your children and grandchildren.” (Exodus, Chap. 10:2) In another sentence, we read “vihegadta l’vincha — You shall speak  to your child.” (Exodus, Chap. 13:14) And at the end of the portion we are told, “viamarta ailav — And you shall say to him.”

         The Torah teaches us that all children are not alike. Children have to be spoken to and taught in different ways. Sometimes it may require “ulman tesaper — telling” — you have to sit a child on your lap and tell him a story. It may take a little longer and it requires a world of patience.

        At times, harsh words have to be used, as implied in the word “vihegadta” which is a severe tone. A sharp reprimand may be needed.

          But if you are talking to a slow learner whose innate abilities are limited, then you must employ a tone of “viamarta” which our Biblical commentators understand to mean “Dvarim hamoshchim et halev” words that touch and find a responsive chord in the child’s soul and heart. Tell him and teach her by using a soft tone and gentle words.

Every child is different, but an integral part of the family. He is to be approached differently and he is to be taught differently. These differences in children must always be recognized and appreciated.

      The mandate to strike a responsive chord and arouse child like curiosity and thirst for Yiddishkeit has never been as strong and powerful. The transmission of Torah which has always been a product of live teaching in a classroom setting has often been replaced by “zoom” which is a necessary but poor substitute. It becomes imperative for parents and grandparents to use the seder as a vehicle to impart timeless Jewish traditions…. so as to “reconnect” and reignite that thirst and spark which lays dormant in the hearts and souls of our beloved children and grandchildren.

         The holiday of Pesach directs our attention to our most precious possessions. More than palacial homes or valuables or monetary wealth, our children are our greatest treasures. To guard them, to enjoy them and to educate them is both a responsibility and a treasured legacy.

Chag Kasher V’someach  

Rabbi Jonathan Horowitz