Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the verse 'And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say to you, What mean you by this service?' mean?
A: This verse from Exodus 12:26 refers to the future generations asking about the meaning of the Passover service (Korban Pesach). It highlights the importance of transmitting the story of the Exodus from Egypt to our children, ensuring they understand the significance of the mitzvot (commandments) and our history as Jews.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse is important because it emphasizes the mitzvah of educating our children about the Exodus and the Passover service. The Talmud (Pesachim 116a) explains that the Four Questions asked at the Seder are based on this verse, ensuring that children actively engage in learning about our heritage and the miracles Hashem performed for us.
Q: How does this verse apply to the Passover Seder today?
A: This verse is the foundation for the mitzvah of 'V'Higadta L'Bincha' (telling your children) during the Seder. The Haggadah, based on teachings from the Mishnah (Pesachim 10:4), structures the Seder to encourage questions from children, fulfilling the Torah's commandment to explain the Passover service and the Exodus story to future generations.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about parenting in Judaism?
A: We learn that Jewish education begins at home, with parents responsible for teaching their children about our traditions. Rashi explains that the Torah anticipates children's natural curiosity and instructs parents to provide meaningful answers. This fosters a lifelong connection to Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What is the 'service' mentioned in this verse?
A: The 'service' refers to the Korban Pesach (Passover sacrifice) that was offered in the times of the Temple. The Rambam (Hilchot Korban Pesach 1:3) details its laws. Today, since we lack the Temple, we commemorate this service through the Seder rituals like eating matzah and maror and retelling the Exodus story.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Shemot 12:26) appears during the instructions for the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice) before the Exodus from Egypt. It anticipates future generations questioning the meaning of this service, prompting parents to educate their children about Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus).
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that this verse refers to the wicked son in the Haggadah's "Four Sons" paradigm. The phrasing "to you" (לָכֶם) implies exclusion—the child distances himself from the community. Rashi emphasizes that the response (given in the next verse, 12:27) must be firm: "It is the Passover sacrifice to Hashem..."—reinforcing that this is a divine commandment binding on all Jews.
Ibn Ezra's Perspective
Ibn Ezra notes that the question arises naturally when children observe their parents performing unfamiliar rituals. The Torah prepares parents for this moment, ensuring they transmit the Exodus narrative with clarity. Unlike Rashi, Ibn Ezra does not label the child as "wicked," viewing the inquiry as neutral curiosity.
Midrashic Interpretation (Mechilta)
The Mechilta highlights the pedagogical strategy: the Torah anticipates questions to stress the obligation of Vehigadta Levincha ("You shall tell your child" – Shemot 13:8). The unusual phrasing ("What mean you by this service?") suggests the child perceives the ritual as a parental custom rather than divine law, requiring correction.
Halachic Implications (Rambam)
Chassidic Insight (Sefat Emet)
The Sefat Emet interprets the child's question as an opportunity to renew the service's meaning each generation. The word הַזֹּאת ("this") implies immediacy—parents must make the Exodus feel personally relevant, not merely historical.