Chad Gadya and the Logic of Violence
A children’s song at the end of the Seder reveals something darker: how violence justifies itself, repeats, and becomes inevitable.
Most, if not all, children’s literature is written by adults. I can only surmise the intention to influence the child with adult values. I think must be re-examined from time to time.
Refusal without fear has always been the key to breaking the chain. Not an easy feat.
Fascinating, as always.
nothing to fear but fear itself. break the chain.
I agree.
Magnificent, I think. It is always fascinating to see what a children's song can reduce to be examined under a lens of what adults wrought
Most, if not all, children’s literature is written by adults. I can only surmise the intention to influence the child with adult values. I think must be re-examined from time to time.
SHALOM!
Peace be upon us all.
There's a piece in the Forward today about this song as well: https://forward.com/forward-newsletters/looking-forward/816907/chad-gadya-song-passover-seder/ I prefer yours, as it seems to be a cautionary tale regarding what's happening now
Thank you for reading with care and thought - and thank you fro bringing the other essay to my attention.
I wanted to move beyond the obvious reading. Otherwise, we end up repeating - and normalizing - the very structure the song exposes.