Objective

The objective of this lesson is for the student to learn about Passover, its significance, and its traditions.

Materials and Prep

• Haggadah (Passover guidebook)
• Pen and paper
• Internet access (optional)

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

• Read a Passover Story: Read or listen to a child-friendly Passover story, such as "The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah" by Leslie Kimmelman.
• Make a Seder Plate: Use a paper plate and art supplies to create a visual representation of a traditional Passover Seder plate. Label the different items and discuss their significance.
• Write a Passover Poem: Encourage the student to write a short poem about Passover, incorporating key elements and symbols of the holiday.
• Research Passover Traditions: With adult supervision, use the internet or books to research different Passover traditions around the world. Discuss the similarities and differences.

Talking Points

• What is Passover? Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
• Why is it celebrated? Passover is celebrated to remember and honor the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and the miracles that occurred during their journey.
• What is a Seder? A Seder is a special meal held on the first two nights of Passover. It includes symbolic foods, prayers, and the retelling of the Exodus story.
• What are some traditional Passover foods? Matzah (unleavened bread), bitter herbs, charoset (a mixture of fruits and nuts), and a roasted lamb shank bone are some traditional Passover foods.
• Why do we eat matzah? Matzah is eaten during Passover to symbolize the unleavened bread the Israelites ate when they left Egypt in a hurry.
• What is the significance of the Seder plate items? The Seder plate items represent different elements of the Passover story and their meanings. For example, the bitter herbs symbolize the bitterness of slavery, and the charoset represents the mortar used by the Israelites to build in Egypt.
• How is Passover celebrated around the world? Passover is celebrated in various ways around the world. In some countries, certain local foods and customs are incorporated into the Passover traditions.
• What are some Passover traditions? Some Passover traditions include cleaning the house to remove all leavened products, hosting a Seder meal, and searching for the hidden afikoman (a piece of matzah).
• Why is Passover an important holiday? Passover is an important holiday because it reminds us of the value of freedom, the importance of remembering our history, and the power of hope and perseverance.
• What can we learn from Passover? Passover teaches us about the importance of standing up against injustice, helping those in need, and appreciating the freedom we have.