This year, as we gather around the Passover table with family and friends, we encourage you to include some personal touches in your Seder. Incorporate questions that integrate the Passover themes with your Jewish values. Check out some new Haggadahs. Or make your Passover table festive by adding a Passover craft created by your children.
Here are several suggestions from The Associated and its network of agencies on ways to make your holiday memorable.
Engaging Family at the Seder
During the Seder, we tell the story of our people’s liberation from slavery. Each of us is encouraged to feel as though we were personally freed from slavery. What does that mean to the children at the table/ Ask them to think about their responsibilities now that we are freed from slavery. What does that mean to the children at the table?
Add these three new questions to prompt a discussion about tzedekah (charity) and tikkun olam (repair the world).
- What issues are you passionate about?
- If you could solve any problem, what would it be?
- If you had $1 million to give away, where would you give it?
Rabbi Aaron Levitt, executive director of The Associated’s Jewish Educational Services, has put together a list of discussion questions to expand upon the themes throughout the Seder. Here are his suggestions for how you can engage your whole family after singing Dayenu. For more conversation starters go to associated.org/passover.
- Do we ever feel satisfied or are we always hungry for more?
- Do we focus only on the destination or also on the journey?
- Make a list of the things in your life for which you are grateful.
- Ask kids to name one thing that starts with each letter of the alphabet
Be Creative
Engage your children in this fun art activity, then set the table with this beautiful Elijah’s Cup.
Supplies:
Plastic wine glass (goblet)
Scissors
Masking tape
Tissue paper
Paintbrush
Mod Podge (sealer)
Directions:
1. Cover the outside of your goblet with masking tape.
2. Tear tissue paper into small pieces.
3. Using a paintbrush, apply sealer (such as Mod Podge) to a small area of the goblet.
4. Overlap paper pieces on top of the sealer, then brush the sealer on top of them.
5. Repeat until the outside of the goblet is covered.
6. Let it dry.
Let’s Eat
Looking for something different this year for your Seder table.
Garlicky Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts
- 4-6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, to coat bottom of pan
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 Tablespoon Kosher for Passover balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Trim the bottom of the brussels sprouts and slice each in half, top to bottom. Heat oil in a cast-iron pan over medium high heat until it shimmers; put sprouts cut side down in one layer in pan. Add garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook, undisturbed, until the sprouts begin to brown on the bottom and then transfer to oven. Roast, shaking the pan every 5 minutes, until the sprouts are brown and tender, about 10-20 minutes.
- Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in balsamic vinegar and serve hot or warm.
Kosher for Passover Almond Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- 4 cups brown sugar
- 3 cups almond flour or finely ground almonds
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a mixer, whip the egg whites with the sugar until the mixture is white and fluffy. Add almond flour and salt. Mix until a sticky dough is formed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- From the cooled dough, create small balls and place on the baking sheet. Leave room between them.
- Cook 15-20 minutes. The cookies are ready once they are evenly golden.
- Take them out of the oven and cool down for 20 minutes.
Retelling the Story
Want a unique take on the Haggadah that engages the whole family? From Legos to Harry Potter, check out these Haggadah suggestions from Jessica Fink, executive director of the Jewish Library of Baltimore.
Children
Let My People GO!: A Brick Haggadah Companion
By Tzachi Rosman
Teens
The (Unofficial) Hogwarts Haggadah
By Moshe Rosenberg
Adults
Seder Talk: The Conversational Haggada
By Erica Brown
Want more recipes? Book ideas? Crafts? Go to associated.org/passover for other great ideas.
Why not honor your mom by making a donation to a nonprofit that supports women and children?
CCBC Honors scholars are discovering a level of academic rigor and opportunity typically associated with elite four-year institutions.
At Krieger Schechter Day School, joining in the later elementary or middle school isn’t a setback -- it’s a launch pad.
Colorectal cancer rates are climbing among young people and Ashkenazi Jews.