If you are going to a Passover celebration hosted by someone who is Jewish, ask them for the exact dates for Passover. Passover 2023 lasts from sundown of Wednesday 5th of April to the sundown of Thursday the 13th of April. [1] X Trustworthy Source Chabad. org Online resource for information related to Chabad-Lubavitch and Jewish culture Go to source
It can be an adjustment to not do work during the first two days and last two days of Passover. Do any work you need to get done before Passover begins or save it for the middle four days of Passover so you do not break with tradition.
This means any wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt products. You should also remove any bread, cake, cookies, cereal, pizza, pasta, and alcoholic beverages. This does not include products like baking powder or baking soda. Chametz is considered the ‘anthesis’ (the flowering period of a plant) of matzah and a representation of egotism. Getting rid of chametz is a key part of celebrating Passover and embracing selflessness.
It is also tradition to not eat meat in combination with dairy during Passover as during the year as well, in accordance with regular Jewish dietary laws. So, do not have cheese, butter, or cream sauce on beef or chicken. Fish and eggs are allowed during Passover as long as they are served with dairy or with meat. When you shop for Passover foods, look for the labels saying: “Kosher for Passover,” “May be used for Passover,” and “Kosher for Passover and all year round. "
The Bitter Herbs. Traditionally this would be horseradish, but parsley, green onion, or celery can also be used. The Paste or Charoset. This is a sweet mixture which represents the mortar used by the slaves to build the pyramids of Egypt. It is usually a ground mixture of apples, nuts and wine. A variety of recipes can be found online. The Vegetable. This is a non-bitter, root vegetable such as a boiled potato. This represents the hard labor of the slaves. The Shankbone. This is a shankbone, usually lamb or goat, which symbolizes the sacrificial lamb of Passover. The Egg. A hard-boiled egg used to symbolize the offering made in the days of the Temple. The Lettuce. This is usually romaine, which like the bitter herbs symbolizes the bitterness of slavery.
You can find a copy of the Haggadah in English online. You can also listen to a recitation of “The Order of the Seder” online.
You can then pour the second cup of wine but do not drink it yet.
The vegetable is a symbol of the humble origins of the Jewish people. The salt water is a symbol of the tears shed due to slavery.
“What has changed, this night, from all the other nights? That in all other nights we eat both chametz and matzah, on this night, we eat only matzah?” “What has changed, this night, from all the other nights? That in all other nights we eat many vegetables, on this night, maror?” “What has changed, this night, from all the other nights? That in all other nights we do not dip vegetables even once, on this night, we dip twice?” “What has changed, this night, from all the other nights? On all other nights, we eat either sitting or reclining, either sitting or reclining. On this night, on this night, we all recline. " At the end of the Maggid, a blessing is recited over the second cup of wine and then the cup is drunk.
Another option is to have the adults hide the afikoman. Then, the children can be paid in candy or toys to find and return it.
One good option is the film The Prince of Egypt, which is appropriate and fun for children but also has music and acting excellent enough to entertain an adult. Another good movie to watch is The Ten Commandments starring Charlton Heston. This is a classic and will appeal to both the young and old. A good, more modern movie to watch, especially if your family prefers a little more drama, is The Devil’s Arithmetic. In this film, a young Jewish girl (played by Kirsten Dunst) who is tired of celebrating Passover is magically transported back in time to a Nazi concentration camp. She learns the true meaning of struggle, the importance of remembering, and the value of family and heritage.
A good traditional song for the whole family is Dayenu, which is upbeat and great for singing as a group. Shalom Sesame (A Jewish subset of Sesame Street) made an excellent Passover film that contains lots of great songs for young kids. For fun takes on modern songs, listen to The Ein Prat Fountainheads “Dayenu, Coming Home” or The Maccabeats “Les Misérables, A Passover Story”.
Make a matzo house. This can be done similarly to making a gingerbread house and makes a great centerpiece. Make it extra exciting for the kids by building the matzo house with chocolate and caramel. Just be sure any candy you use is kosher for Passover. Make a Passover seder plate. You can get your kids to make and decorate a plate and bowls for the seder plate. This can be a good Passover activity for children of any age group. Make an afikomen bag. You can also make a custom bag for the afikoman. Sew or buy a basic bag and let your kids decorate it with drawings, baubles, or any images related to Passover.
