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The Simple Son ‐ Ahava Ronn (7th Grade)

Everyone knows the classic story of the Four Sons. The Simple son is exactly what he is called, simple and
basic. The Simple son asks “what is this?.” Many people see the Simple son as dumb, but really he is quite
smart. The Simple son wants to learn, he looks up to the Wise son. The Simple son doesn’t study but he is a
good person who wants to learn. Even though the simple son asks a simple question he receives the longest an-
swer and by the end knows the whole purpose of the question.

Who Is The Tam? ‐ Ephraim Vorzman (9th Grade)

The Tam, the simple child, is one of the more intriguing of the four sons in that the definition of who he is is
vague. He is described as the simple child, one who (seemingly) does not understand the Pesach story. He can-
not be classified as either a Chacham (intellectual) or Rasha (wicked). Moreover, would it not make sense to in-
clude him as the child who does not know how to ask?

The Torah’s description of the Tam provides insight into the Tam’s character. In Shemot 13:14, it says “when
your child asks you tomorrow”. Why does the Torah include the word “tomorrow”? It seems extra, and our be-
lief is that the Torah does not include any unnecessary words.

This seemingly ‘extra’ word actually allows us to understand the true nature of the Tam. Rashi explains that to-
morrow can either mean ‘now’ or ‘later’. This symbolizes the two types children the Tam represents: one who
believes in Judaism now (believes he is part of it), and one who believes he is far removed from the miracles.
This idea is also found in the way one is commanded to respond to the Tam. The response is in story form. Psy-
chologically, stories are removed from us, some type of alternate reality. The Tam believes the miracles in
Egypt were also in some sort of alternate reality, but the same concept is a testimony to the second aspect of the
Tam. When we read stories, we do not only create an alternate reality, we also feel as though we are a part of it,
as the other aspect of the Tam feels he is part of the miracles. The lesson? The Tam stands for our two possible
paths in life. We can either feel as though we are part of Judaism, or we can reject it entirely. The choice is ours.

Sheaino Yodea Lish’ol ‐ Shir Carasso (7th Grade)

Is the son who does not know how to ask questions considered foolish? Well, the Rabbis tell us that he is not
foolish nor is he smart. This person has the potential of being a Talmid Chacham, but he is lacking knowledge.
The only reason that he refuses to ask questions is because he is scared of being embarrassed. He lacks the con-
fidence to ask the questions that he needs to know in order to succeed in Torah. If this man would get over his
fear of asking questions, he even might be a greater Talmid Chacham then the Wise one.

From this son we learn that sometimes we have to get over our fears if we want to succeed. Every person has the
potential ; it just depends what you want to do with all of that potential. You could use it to the fullest like the
Wise son, or you could use it for evil like the Evil son. Try to find the best way to use that potential because it
can take you really far when it comes to the Torah observance.