The Torah explicitly states the purpose of the Exodus from Egypt. The entire purpose was the transmittal of this event to future generations. Since the Exodus, divine revelation, and the giving of the Torah are the foundation of our belief, it is mandatory that we relate these events to future generations. Relating these events to the next generation, gives them the opportunity to identify with the previous generation, thereby establishing another link in the chain of our national heritage.
Why the necessity to relate this to our children and our children’s children? If every father is obliged to teach his son, will not his son ultimately pass this on to his own son? Why involve the grandfather? The responsibility to relate the story of the Exodus is to do so with such intensity and feeling that one’s child will be compelled to relate it to his own children. The grandfather is expected to teach his children in such a way that they will in turn teach their own children. The litmus test of education consists of its ability to continue to the third generation.
In this manner we may explain the posuk in Tehilim (128:6): “And may you see the children of your children peace on Yisroel”; when you sufficiently impress your children so that they teach their children then there is peace and perfection for Klal Yisroel. The obligation to forge a link in the chain of our national heritage spans generations.
