Passover is a Jewish holiday that celebrates freedom. Specifically, Passover tells the story of how the Jewish people escaped from slavery under Pharaoh's rule in Egypt. They traveled in the desert, uncertain of what their future would hold. They could never have imagined that their courage and conviction would still be celebrated today.
During the week of Passover, there is a ceremony called a seder, during which families read from the Haggadah, which tells the story of the Jewish people's journey to freedom. At the seder table, there is a seder plate with items representing the story of Passover. Matzoh is eaten all week to remind us of how our ancestors did not have time to allow their bread to rise in the desert.
Objective:
To help children become acquainted with the people, places and things associated with Passover.
Materials Needed:
- Paper
- Pens
- Hat or bowl
- Optional: Costume pieces
Activity:
Talk with your children about what it means to them to be free. Does it mean they can play all day? Does it mean they can go to temple or church without being teased? Does it mean that they can live anywhere?
Then tell the children the story of Passover. Perhaps you can begin to teach the youngest child the Four Questions. (Why is this night different from all other nights?) On small pieces of paper, write down different words related to the holiday. They might include:
- Matzoh
- Haggadah
- Pharaoh
- Four Questions
- Moses
- Red Sea
