Last Updated on February 28, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
Passover is a time of celebration and remembrance and is a great opportunity to share stories and values with the younger generation.
Although explaining it to a child can be daunting, with the right approach, it’s possible to help them understand the meaning and importance of this important Jewish holiday.
So, how do you explain Passover to a child? Well, let’s find out. Read on.
6 Simple Ways To Tell A Child About Passover
1. Tell The Passover Story
Share the story of Passover with your child in an age-appropriate way, perhaps using a children’s book or storytelling.
Begin by taking the child on a journey back to when the ancient Hebrews were enslaved in Egypt.
Describe how Pharaoh refused to free the Hebrews and how God sent a series of plagues to convince him.
“The message of Passover remains as powerful as ever. Freedom is won not on the battlefield but in the classroom and the home. Teach your children the history of freedom if you want them never to lose it.”
– Rabbi Shimon Raichik, Torah Scholar and Rabbinic Leader
Then explain how the final plague was so severe Pharaoh finally agreed to let the Hebrews go.
Finally, tell the child how God told the Hebrews to mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificed lamb, so the Angel of Death would pass over their homes and spare them.
But what are ways to tell your kids about Easter if you’re not religious?
2. Highlight The Symbols
Teaching a child about these symbols allows them to participate in the Seder meal [1] with greater understanding and appreciation.
The symbols of Passover include the matzah, which represents the unleavened bread that the Jews ate during their escape from slavery in Egypt.
Next, the Seder plate, with its six symbolic items, such as bitter herbs, charoset, and roasted shank bone, tells the Exodus story.
Check out these tips on explaining Easter to a 5-year-old here.
3. Involve The Child In Preparations
Preparing for Passover can involve several activities, such as cleaning the house, preparing the Seder plate, or baking the unleavened bread.
When children participate in these preparations, they learn about the historical significance of Passover and the importance of maintaining Jewish traditions.
The experience of working with their family members to prepare for this important holiday will help children develop a sense of pride in their heritage, and they will be more likely to participate in the Seder meal with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Find out when to stop eating bread for Passover here.
4. Play Games
The game of Passover is an excellent way to teach children about the story of the Exodus, and it’s fun and interactive to make the story come alive.
It involves hiding and searching for the Afikomen, a broken piece of matzah, representing the bread the Jews ate during their escape from Egypt.
Other Passover games include matching games, memory games, and puzzles, all of which can help children learn about the symbols and customs of Passover.
5. Sing Songs
Sharing the joy of Passover through music is a wonderful method to teach kids about the holiday.
Aside from being a great way to get kids excited about the holiday, it may also teach them about the Exodus story.
Songs like “Dayenu” can help children learn about the history and meaning behind Passover.
Plus, children can connect with their heritage and feel a sense of community and belonging.
Children can feel part of something larger than themselves when they sing together with family and friends.
6. Emphasize The Importance Of Freedom
Reinforce the idea that Passover celebrates freedom and that fighting for freedom and justice for all people is essential.
And it will inspire them to stand up for their beliefs and become responsible citizens who can positively change their communities.
Read: How Do You Tell A 5-Year-Old About Easter?
How Can Kids Have Fun During Passover?
One way to do this is to get creative with the traditional Passover Seder. Instead of having a formal sit-down dinner, you can have a Passover scavenger hunt.
Put candy in plastic eggs and hide them around the house or backyard for the kids to find. Or you can turn the traditional Four Questions into a game by giving prizes for the best answers.
Another way to have fun during Passover is to create a craft. Kids can make matzah covers or create edible art with traditional Passover foods like charoset and matzah [2].
You can also let the kids design their own Haggadah booklets and write their own four questions.
And, of course, no Passover celebration is complete without some traditional songs and games.
Kids can make up their Passover songs, sing along to traditional melodies, or play classic Passover games like the Afikomen hunt.
Also Read: Should You Light Candles On The Second Night Of Passover?
FAQs
What are the most important parts of the Passover holiday?
The most important part of the Passover holiday is the Seder, a traditional meal commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt.
Aside from that, remove leavened foods before the holiday starts.
What should not be done during Passover?
Eating chametz, or anything made from wheat, barley, oats, and rye, is a big no-no during Passover. Plus, working on a holiday is also frowned upon, so planning is essential.
Bottom Line
Explaining Passover to a child can be a fun and enriching experience.
By focusing on the main symbols of the holiday and emphasizing the story of the Exodus, you can help your child better understand the holiday.
Plus, you can make the experience more enjoyable for your child by engaging in fun activities that bring the holiday to life.
References:
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/passover-seder/
- https://www.thekitchn.com/what-is-matzo
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