This is a most unique Passover, as we have to be prepared a day earlier than the Seder because Shabbat precedes Passover. In a normal year, we would have another 24 hours to prepare for the Seder, up until the moment it begins.
Mah nishtana? Why is this year different?
The easy answer is because the calendar is different this year. But we must look deeper to answer the ultimate question of Passover.
One of my favorite haggadot, “A Different Night,” by Noam Zion and David Dishon, is filled with illustrations of the Haggadah liturgy. One such picture is from David Wander, depicting four books.
One is an open book on fire, another book is open with no words, one book has the traditional text, and the last book is closed.
Who is the wise child? Who is the wicked? Who is the simple? Who is the child that does not know how to ask?
Below is the picture I show my students when teaching about Passover. Here is my answer this year, but truthfully, it changes each year.
1. The book on fire is the wise one–the spark is lit, and our souls yearn for a deeper Jewish identity that we need each other and our communities to form.
2. The book with no words is the wicked child–the book is open, but there is no motivation to engage, as if there are no words on the page.
3. The book with the literal words of the Haggadah is the simple child–yes, the words are being recited, but is that enough? We must internalize these words and our story to make the Exodus relevant to our lives.
4. The closed book is the one who does not know how to ask questions–those around the table must help this child open the book and see the wisdom of our tradition, so that next year, this child’s book can be on fire, too.
When you open the Haggadah tomorrow, which book will you open?
Remember, we must perform the Seder as if we left Egypt. Use the ancient words and ask new questions, so that we all can be a free people in the year ahead.
Chag Sameach
