The Haggadah's extraordinary introduction to the four sons. The parents' disappointment about an "unsuccessful" child. When unspoken complaints erode shalom bayis (marital harmony). Hating the child, complaining against Hashem and blaming the spouse. The need to unify Hashem's name with this very child that was specifically sent into my life. When a child, after all the parents and teachers poured into him, turns his back on everything the parents hoped for. Yitzchak Avinu and Rivkah Imeinu had a Yaakov AND an Eisav. Despite all the pain and disappointment: Baruch Hamakom, Baruch Hu (blessed be Hashem). The two parts of the nissayon (trial). Empathizing with another Jew's pain is the beginning of geulah (redemption). Loving our children despite their rebellion against everything we believe in. A final seder in the concentration camp. |