Four Sons

A central part of the Passover Seder, is the discussion related to the “four sons.” These four individuals represent the various types of Jews and how they view Judaism. The Wise son shows his enthusiasm to observe all aspects of Judaism. The Wicked son is a scoffer. The Simple son is indifferent. And the One Who Doesn’t Know How To Ask, is highly ignorant.

The Rambam in הלכות ממרים speaks of those who rebel against the Rabbis and the Torah. Although there does exist certain individuals who are beyond hope, we must try to bring back all Jews. (The Rambam was alluding to the אפיקורס, the heretic, who has distanced himself to such an extent, and has mocked Judaism to the point that there is no way to bring him back.)

The Four Sons are not viewed in this light. Aside from the Wise son, who is already on the right track, the others can be brought back. The purpose of the Seder is to reach out and present Judaism in a positive light.

We must not write people off at all today. There is a prevalent view that there are no אפיקורסים today, and the distant or rebellious Jews are all תינוק שנשבה, babies taken captive. Therefore, it is our duty to reach out this Pesach and do our best to portray Judaism in a positive light.