How to Explain Passover to a Child

Passover is a Jewish holiday that begins on the 14th day of Nissan in the Jewish calendar. This is usually in April and most Jews celebrate it for 8 days, except for Jews in Israel and some liberal Diaspora Jews, who celebrate it for only 7 days. The following steps will show how to explain Passover to a child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Tell the child that the matzo, an unleavened cracker-like bread, is the main symbol of Passover, representing the Hebrews' departure from Egypt. They were in a hurry and did not have time for the bread to rise.

2. Explain that the term Passover comes from the final plague of Egypt. God sent the Angel of Death to each house to kill the first-born child. The Hebrews were told to smear their door posts with lamb's blood so that the Angel would "pass over" their house.

3. Discuss the eating of Maror. This is a bitter herb, usually horseradish or Romaine lettuce, that symbolizes the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.

4. Talk about the Seder. This is a highly ritualized meal with a specific order of events that must be followed. In fact, the word "seder" means "order" in Hebrew. The Seder has 15 parts and each one is symbolic of an event of the Exodus. The story of the Exodus is told during the Seder.

5. Encourage questions and participation in the discussion of the Exodus by rewarding children with nuts and candy. The child who finds the afikoman, a piece of matzo, is rewarded with a prize. Seders frequently last long into the night with much animated discussion and singing.

Resources

• Learn more about the Jewish holiday of Passover.