Hayom Yom: Nissan 16, 2nd day Pesach; first of omer

Even one who is, G-d forbid, orphaned from his father, declares before beginning the ma nishtana, "tateh ich vell ba dir freggen feer kashess" ("Father, I am going to ask you four questions"). In a similar vein, even one whose mother and father are, G-d forbid, no longer alive, nonetheless says in birkat hamazon (grace after meals) "May the Merciful One bless my father my teacher, etc., my mother my teacher, etc." (p. 93).