The verses describe the leaving of Egypt as the “birth of the Jewish nation”[1].
This can be why we give so much attention to the ‘child’ during the Seder. Numerous steps are taken to catch the kids’ attention, to get them involved. Maybe we are the child.
We were children in terms of time and merits. Yes, it was the beginning of the life of the Jewish people, but we were also on a low spiritual level[2]. We grew through the 49 following days, until we were ‘mature’ enough to receive the Torah by Mount Sinai.
Possibly, this ‘child’ should not only be viewed in the negative, but has positive qualities we can learn from.
Egypt in Hebrew is “Mitzraim”. The word means boundaries. We are taught[3] that we must leave our “mitzraim” - our limitations. We can’t be satisfied with what we are doing. We need to do more even if it’s beyond our comfort zone. We have the ability to do more, because our soul has unlimited powers – it’s a part of G-d.
This is a lesson we can learn from the child. It has no boundaries. It thinks that its parents can do nine things at one time – NOW! The child has passion, expression and life! His opinions are clear; nothing gets in his way. He does all this and doesn’t get anyone upset because he’s cute.
Maybe we can learn from the child.
[1] Yechezkal Ch. 16
[2] Tanya Ch. 31
[3] Tanya Ch. 47
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