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PESACH

03/31/2023 01:30:34 PM

Mar31

Dear mitpallelim,

Well, Pesach is around the corner, and this is no April fool joke. 

As I am not able to arrange for mechirat Hamets this year, make sure to make arrangements ASAP with the shut office.

Today's kiddush is in honor of my dear student, Maia (Rivkah) Darmon, born on Shabbat Ha-gadol; kiddush cosponsored by her parents. Maia definitely would be categorized as the "wise" child

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And speaking of the wise child: The Hagada tells us that the wise child will ask:  what are all these laws that HaShem commanded you.

And the wicked child will ask: what is this work for you.

The Hagada understood that the 2nd question was said by the wicked child, because by saying "you," he implied that he was not included in the mitzvah.

But the wise child also said "you." So, why does the Hagada assume that one child is wise, and the other is wicked?

In previous. years, I have given a scholarly answer, based on the Yerushalmi and Septuagint. Yet it is possible to give a very simple answer: It all depends on the tone of voice!  Imagine 4 children sitting around the table. The parent can tell that one child is being very serious; the other is being sarcastic. We all. have to be careful when we speak, that we should not be misunderstood. 

Well, I'm being serious as I wish all a Happy and kosher Pesach.


Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Menahem White

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784