The most misunderstood among the Seder’s four children is the “Rasha.” How self-defeating to deem such a child “wicked!” The Rasha’s “offending” question, “What does this ritual mean to YOU?” is entirely appropriate. All Seder participants are obligated to find ourselves in the ritual, “as if we each went forth from Egypt.” It is the parent’s fundamental Seder role to articulate precisely “what this ritual means to you.” The “Rasha” facilitates our religious observance by asking just the right question.
The prescribed response to the “Rasha” – Hakhei et Shinav – is translated variously as “Speak harshly (or ‘aggressively,’ or ‘sharply’) to him” or “Set his teeth on edge.” Elie Weisel translates, “Make him feel uncomfortable.” Some understand the Hebrew to signify (we hope metaphorically) “Smack him in the mouth!”
“Hakhei” is found in Rashi’s commentary to Mishnah Pesachim 2:8, describing the effect of placing grain in the “Charoset” (not a ritual item, but a spicy relish!). The grain counteracts the sharpness of the dip. Hakhei et Shinav might best be understood, therefore, as demanding that we respond to the Rasha’s perceived “sharpness” with cool heads and calming words, making the experience more (certainly not less) palatable… like the grain used to counteract the spicy salsa. That is the response of the worthy parent… and the effective Seder leader.
(Rabbi Joseph H. Prouser is the rabbi of Temple Emanuel of North Jersey and the National Chaplain of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.)
The most misunderstood among the Seder’s four children is the “Rasha.” How self-defeating to deem such a child “wicked!” The Rasha’s “offending” question, “What does this ritual mean to YOU?” is entirely appropriate. All Seder participants are obligated to find ourselves in the ritual, “as if we each went forth from Egypt.” It is the parent’s fundamental Seder role to articulate precisely “what this ritual means to you.” The “Rasha” facilitates our religious observance by asking just the right question.