Matzoh Minhag: Rescuing the Fourth Son

There is much commentary on the Seder’s Four Sons. Some offer perspectives on the sons as four generations of Jews in the Diaspora, say in America today. The first son would represent eastern European Jewry who emigrated to America, connected to the traditions of the “old country.” The second son/generation is labelled “wicked,” as he knows the mitzvot and rituals but has tossed them aside in favor of integration/assimilation into the modern world.

The simple/third generation grows up fully assimilated but at least has his grandparents around as role models; this son may have a chance to go to shul with his Zeida or even see his Baba light Shabbat candles. These rituals may be “cute” but likely have no deeper meaning.

But the child of the next generation, the fourth in line, has no memories of great grandparents; there is no connection whatsoever to Judaism and so the Seder experience is a meaningless waste of time. In this scenario, where the fourth generation has become disconnected, there is no fifth son. There is no continuity after the fourth generation of exile and assimilation.

Our Seder this year was drawn to this issue. We developed a minhag or new custom to focus on the fourth son/generation. How can we help him come back and parent a new generation of wise, first generation children?

We discussed the matzoh of the Seder, with the three unleavened cakes. We spoke of the three groups of Jews (Cohein, Levi, y’Israel) and of the three levels of knowledge and connection amongst these groups, namely: tzadikkim/chachamim, beinonim, and ignorant. In discussing the matzoh this year, we turned the stacked unleavened cakes upside down. The practicing/righteous Jew might get less focus this year from the bottom of the stack, but he is serious in his own endeavor nonetheless. The middle group, who tries a little but is overly tempted and conflicted will remain a central focus of the Seder mission.

But our major focus of the evening was to engage this top matzoh. This is this fourth son. We are committed to have the entire Seder serving this child. And if successful? His children and his children’s children will too feel personally connected to the exodus from Egypt and connected to the grace of the Almighty. And they too will tell the Seder story, from generation to generation.