In this parsha, Rashi attributes this question to the she’eino yodeah lish’ol, the son who is not even able to ask. This response is given to the wicked son in the Hagaddah! What relationship is there between one who knows not to question and one who is wicked? We may suggest that in Torah chinuch, education, there is no room for compromise. If one receives the wrong education it is tantamount to receiving no education. One who is devoid of Torah will ultimately be satisfied with misleading ideas and thoughts.
The foundation of the pedagogic process is the ability to motivate the student to question, to initiate ideas. Questioning is a human trait. One should seek to understand by delving deeper into the profundities of the Torah There are, however, certain limitation. One must know what to ask, when to ask, and whom to question. The ability to ask the appropriate questions indicates comprehension of the subject matter, as well as a sincere desire to understand the fundamentals of the materials.
The types of questions one asks and its presentation reflect the character of the questioner. Knowing when to speak and when to remain silent also indicates one’s motivation in asking the question. Is one truly seeking an answer or is he merely making a statement in order to echo his own opinion? Whom one asks is equally critical. Some individuals only ask questions to those who will offer them an anticipated desirable response. They will not ask if they expect that they will not like the particular answer.
There are a number of reasons that people do not ask questions. Complacency, ignorance, apathy, self-consciousness, and insecurity seem to be superficially valid reasons for not inquiring. Perhaps the most destructive reason for failure to question, however, is one’s refusal to accept the answer. The individual with this trait does not desire to develop intellectually. He may even fear the truth which will emanate from the answer. This individual reflects intolerance and egotism. Ultimately, his refusal to accept another’s answers will harm only one person, himself!
