R' Shimshon Raphael Hirsch – 13:8
“והגדת לבנך ביום ההוא לאמר, בעבור זה עשה ד' לי בצאתי ממצרים” – “And you shall tell your child on that day: It is because of this that Hashem acted for me when I came out of Mitzrayim.” The Yom Tov of Pesach is the time that is to mark the building and the growth of the Jewish home, that which is to be continually renewed on the basis of the redemption from Mitzrayim. Here, in commanding us in regard to the Yom Tov, the Torah delineates the task of Jewish education. We are not to teach our children to act only out of habit, nor through mere preaching, to faithfully observe the Torah’s commandments; these methods will not suffice. Rather, we must show our youth the way by our own enthusiastic example, and at the same time awaken their hearts and minds by explaining to them what it is we are doing, so that they learn to practice the Mitzvos with intelligence and awareness, and become excited about and fascinated by the task of Yiddishkeit. “בעבור זה” – Because of these practices, and because of all such practices that you see me perform. When I went forth from slavery for freedom, my sole contribution toward the attainment of this freedom was my commitment to observe these commandments as an obligation for all time. This commitment was the sole reason for my deliverance, and my fulfillment of the commitment was the sole purpose for my redemption. Everything else, Hashem did for me. From this you can understand the incalculable significance of these practices. It is on them that our whole existence, based on Hashem and dependent upon Him, rests.
