Pesachim 109: So That the Children Should Ask

Everyone is obligated in the mitzvah of the 4 cups, at the seder. But how will that work for children? It's wine! And they don't yet have an obligation in mitzvot! We give them nuts and treats on Erev Pesach, so that they come to ask questions [NOTE: As we have noted before, the Gemara uses "Erev Pesach" to refer to what we would call "Pesach night" or "Leyl Pesach." In this episode, we used the Gemara's phrasing as if it were about what we call "Erev Pesach" (the day before Pesach night), but the simple meaning of the next is Pesach night. The goal remains the same.] R. Akiva focused on the children's interest at the seder too. Also, the fulfillment of the mitzvah of simcha, joy, on yom tov, on the holiday, each according to his or her (stereotyped) preferences.