The Four Personalities

Four times the Torah bids us to tell our children of the Exodus from Egypt. Four times the Torah repeats: "And you shall tell your child on that day." From this our tradition infers that there are four different kinds of people (and our Haggadah presents its third four). We see each of these around us, and, indeed, within us. To each we respond in a different manner, according to his or her question, situation and need.

The active participant represents the best and wisest in us, understanding the urgency of commitment, love, and wonder and delving deeply into the experience. This person explores not only the words, symbols and foods, but uses the values of the Seder to shape daily life. Our hope for liberation depends on encouraging these qualities. When we actively seek justice, beauty and truth, we become free.

The one who passively observes the Seder and scoffs at the efforts of others displays the worst in us. For this person, the Seder has no meaning. This passivity would have kept us in Egypt, enslaved by apathy and indifference.

The shy and those enclosed in their own private worlds of simple questions need us for support and encouragement. We can show how to ask learn and act. This simple ignorance threatens our peace, freedom and security.

Those who are too young to ask will sit puzzled by our efforts here tonight. Our enthusiasm can show them the importance of what we do here at the Seder.

A fellow asked his buddy: "Which is worse, ignorance or apathy."
The buddy responded: "I don't know and I don't care."