What is the purpose of the “fourth son” in the telling of the Passover story in the Haggadah?
Each son asks a question regarding the meaning of the Passover seder. But how each son asks is unique to his individual personality and intellect – as are the answers he must be given. These four archetypes can ultimately serve as a model for how to educate children. The wise son asks, with genuine intellectual curiosity: “What is the meaning of the statutes and laws that G-d has commanded?” Just like on Passover, when Jews eat matzah rather than bread, the wise son seeks to understand the essence of the laws. In modern times, the wise son is the truly unique student, who eschews his own ego and is only concerned with grasping the truth. Yet even with a rare mind like his, the wise son must be positively challenged rather than pampered. The wise son needs to focus his gifts and avoid potentially negative influences, which could easily turn him into the wicked son. The wicked son is intentionally vague when he haughtily asks: “What is this service to you?” To you being the operative phr
