Passover with kids!
The 4 Questions, Matzah baking and Dayenu will be explored with much enthusiasm as we approach Passover. Passover is a special holiday that we share with children, family and friends in our homes. Today it is popular to think about ways to create a more upbeat and child centered Seder experience. You can involve children and guests of all ages in many different aspects of the Seder experience.
Children can be asked to make decorations, a welcome banner for the front door and place cards for the Seder table. You may want to do some simple craft projects or develop your own child centered Haggadah (there are also many new and wonderful children’s Haggadot available). Take a ‘trip’ to the Israel bookstore in Brookline to pick out a new book or two. Our own Temple Israel gift shop will be open with some fun Seder items. I am happy to open for you too! Some families purchase a new Haggadah every year. If each adult at your Seder has a different Haggadah you will have a wealthy collection of translations to contribute to the Seder discussion.
Reading a story during your Seder will engage the children, and help to expand upon the Magid, story of Passover. If you have older children, you may ask them to help prepare the Seder tray or create an interview with Moses, or an eyewitness account of the Exodus. The children will learn many wonderful songs at school. Try to incorporate them into your Seder. If you have many people at the Seder you may want to give out parts ahead of time to your guests.
A preschooler can be given a special part by being asked to draw a picture for his role. Another suggestion for enhancing your Seder is to leave the Cup of Elijah empty at the beginning of the Seder, and just before opening the door for Elijah spill wine from all of your cups into Elijah’s. This symbolizes that we are all participating in the arrival of the Messiah.
Pesach is a holiday that creates memories and recalls our past. Passover is a perfect time to create childhood memories and start new traditions. If you have any questions or would like some more suggestions please feel free to ask.