The Four Children as Beatles
(source: edited from The Wandering is Over Haggadah)
As we tell the story, we think about it from all angles. Our tradition speaks of four different types of children who might react differently to the Passover seder. It is our job to make our story accessible to all the members of our community, so we think about how we might best reach each type of Beatle:
What does John, the wise Beatle, say?
The wise Beatle asks, What are the testimonies and laws which God commanded you?
You must teach this Beatle the rules of observing the holiday of Passover.
“Is there anybody ...to listen to my story…?” - John, “Girl”
What does Paul, the wicked Beatle, say?
The wicked Beatle asks, What does this service mean to you?
To you and not to himself! Because he takes himself out of the community and misses the point, set this Beatle’s teeth on edge and say to him: “It is because of what God did for me in taking me out of Egypt.” Me, not him. Had that Beatle been there, he would have been left behind.
“You got to give the other fella hell ... so live and let die” - Paul, “Live and Let Die”
What does Ringo, the simple Beatle, say?
The simple Beatle asks, What is this?
To this Beatle, answer plainly: “With a strong hand God took us out of Egypt, where we were slaves.”
“Oh what joy for every girl and boy, knowing they're happy and they're safe” - Ringo, “Octopus’s Garden”
What about George, the Beatle who doesn’t know how to ask a question?
Help this Beatle ask.
Start telling the story:
“It is because of what God did for me in taking me out of Egypt.”
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“I don't know, I don't know” - George, “Something”
Do you see yourself in any of these Beatles? At times we all approach different situations like each of these Beatles. How do we relate to each of them?
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