The Four Sons
of the Passover tradition
Article by Noa Badihi-Kalfus.

One of the more interesting parts of the Passover Haggadah describes the four sons - the wise, the wicked, the simple and he who does not know how to ask, and tells of how each answers the question of Exodus.

The Wise Son
Chacham (חָכָם) in Hebrew
The wise knows and understands the traditions, therefore he presents a meaningful question to understand the issue of Exodus. He asks and wants to hear of God's commandments about Passover. The Haggadah states that this son must be taught all of the customs of Passover, that is why the answer to his question is according to the commentary laws of Passover: One is not to eat any dessert after the Passover-lamb.

The Wicked Son
Rasha (רָשָׁע) in Hebrew
The wicked represents the son that was raised on the traditions of Judaism but steers away from it and treats the Passover Seder as something old fashioned. That is why he asks an irritating and provocative question: "What is this service to you?" Meaning he does not see himself as part of the people. This person, who wants to anger, needs proof and so he is answered in kind. The Haggadah answers: If you had been in Egypt, you would not have been redeemed.

The Simple Son
Tam (תָּם) in Hebrew
This is the son that does not know Judaism at all and has not experienced the Passover Seder in his family. He knows that he is Jewish and has been exposed to the traditions perhaps only in his grandfather's home (the wise one). That is why he does not know what this is about and asks: What is this? A general question that indicates lack of knowledge. He gets a general answer: With a strong hand the Lord took us out of Egypt, from the house of slaves.

He Who Does Not Know How To Ask
She'eino Yodeia Lish'ol (שֶׁאֵינוֹ יוֹדֵעַ לִשְׁאוֹל) in Hebrew
This is the son who knows nothing about his Jewish past and certainly not the holiday, and therefore does not even know to ask. He sees all of the differences from a regular holiday feast: you take the Matzah, put them back, raise the bowl, lower it, drink four glasses, eat bitter herbs, steal the Afficoman, and more. Yet, he does not ask anything. This is why the Haggadah tells us to initiate him, meaning to explain to him the meaning of the holiday, the symbolism and traditions from the beginning, even if he did not ask.

Want to learn more?

Sign up today to learn from the best Hebrew teachers in Israel and learn to read the Haggadah in its original language!

Learn Hebrew Online from the world’s leading, certified Hebrew instructors

FILL IN YOUR DETAILS AND WE'LL BE IN TOUCH SHORTLY

Country*

State*

Mobile Phone number

Phone*

Interested in*

* Required field