The Fifth Child

The Fifth Child - a roleplaying game focusing on Jewish trauma and assimilation

“The Torah talks about 4 children - the wise one, the wicked one, the simple one, and the one who doesn't know how to ask. 

But there is a fifth child - the one who did not show up to the Pesach Seder." (the Lubavitcher Rebbe erev Passover 1957)

In this game the players will take on the roles of the four children and actively confront and discuss the Jewish trauma that resulted in the assimilated identity of the fifth child. This will take place through scenes in which you will build the Jewish identity and then speak about the oppression that led to it being abandoned by the fifth child. The four other children each have a unique perspective, but are deeply connected to their Judaism. The players use these perspectives to roleplay interactions with the fifth child in hopes of helping the fifth child discover their own Jewish identity. 

The game revolves around the four children having four encounters with the fifth child. Pesach is coming and they would like the fifth child to join them for their seder. This will be based on their moments of shared trauma and how they connect and relate to it. However, keep in mind the four children’s identities strongly filter their perspectives of Judaism.

Due to themes of actual lived Jewish trauma, this is a game specific designed to be played by Jewish people.

For 5 players.

This game is currently in play testing phase - any feedback is welcomed.