Each year on Pesach, we read about the four sons, the wise son, the wicked son, the simple son, and the one who does not know how to ask.
In our generation where confusion and anarchy reign, the narrative and understanding of who these four sons are, has become more complex. Is the wise son as confident as he seems? Is the wicked son truly a bad seed? Is the simple son simply dull? And what kind of child does not have any questions that they are willing to ask?
In our generation, we have witnessed the unfortunate phenomenon of children leaving Judaism and ending up on the streets. All too often this is a result of their parents not understanding each child’s unique personalities as well as the challenges of our technology-obsessed generation.
Rabbi Benzion Klatzko composed this song to remind well-meaning parents that our children’s struggles are unique to them and need a loving and caring hand and heart in order to feel loved and thrive in life and yiddishkeit.
May it be Hashem’s will that we merit to see our children become the best that they can be! As we say in the bracha on Shabbos, may they grow up to be like Ephraim and Menashe!
Amen
Credits:
Performed by Luzy Klatzko and Benzion Klatzko
Song and Lyrics by Benzion Klatzko
Arranged by Yisroel Ament
Video produced and edited by Benzion Klatzko
A Shabbat.com Production
Special Thanks to Shira Freedman and Tzippy Klatzko
Artwork by the amazing Boris Dubrov
Lyrics:
As we sit around the table
On this seder night
4 sons and a father
Faces glowing bright
Words of the Haggadah
Reliving history
Through story, song
We tell the world
Hashem has set us free
(The Chacham)
I strive to give you nachas
And love to make you proud
You say I am your wise son
But are mistakes allowed
Giving the impression
I’m confident and sure
But deep inside
I try to hide
I’m feeling insecure
Chorus:
Help us to become Yirei Shomayim
The seeds you have sown
You have seen them grown
To be like Menashe and Ephraim
With a love that is true
We have learned this from you
(The Rasha)
Am I such a disappointment?
To my brothers, I’m compared
You constantly correct me
I feel confused and scared
I’m not a wicked child
Just behaving like a teen
Please help me see
The good in Me
And raise my self-esteem
Chorus:
Help us to become Yirei Shomayim
The seeds you have sown
You have seen them grown
To be like Menashe and Ephraim
With a love that is true
We have learned this from you
(The Tam / Simple Son)
I’m too easily distracted
Unfocused and quite bored
Though my questions can seem simple
It hurts when they’re ignored
For underneath the surface
I have deep complexity
My creative inspiration
Comes from my
ADHD
Chorus:
Help us to become Yirei Shomayim
The seeds you have sown
You have seen them grown
To be like Menashe and Ephraim
With a love that is true
We have learned this from you
(The One Who Doesn’t Know to How to Ask)
I am silent at the table
This is my reality
Asking questions in public
Fills me with anxiety
I’d love to learn the Torah
I’ll absorb your every word
Is it OK
If I just stay
And quietly observe
Chorus:
Help us to become Yirei Shomayim
The seeds you have sown
You have seen them grown
To be like Menashe and Ephraim
With a love that is true
We have learned this from you
My children, you’ve become Yirei Shamayim
My sons, they have grown, and are on their own
You’ve become like Menashe and Ephraim
I love you, it’s true
And I’m so proud of you!
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