Passover is an important Jewish holiday that celebrates the freedom of the Jewish people from enslavement in Egypt and their exodus to the promised land. There’s a lot of symbolism and storytelling involved in the Seder, the traditional meal that marks the beginning of Passover, and kids in particular might not understand what all is going on or why.
Whether your family has a Seder or you just want to learn more about the Jewish traditions, these books will help.
Why on This Night? A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration by Rahel Musleah (with illustrations by Louise August) covers the story of Passover, the steps of the Seder and why these different foods, questions and other traditions are included in the ceremony.
The haggadah includes Hebrew text, transliteration and English translations, so non-Hebrew speakers can recite the words in Hebrew or in English.
It also includes activities, recipes, songs and things for kids and adults alike to think about as they go through the ceremony. For example as the home is cleared of hametz (foods containing yeast or made from dough that rises), we can also consider the hametz inside us, the puffed-up feelings that we are better or deserve more than others.
All of the elements of the Seder plate are explained, and different variations from different parts of the world are included. Haroset (a mix of dried fruit and wine) recipes come from the Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions, as well as one in the style popular in Jerusalem. As Jews in Iran talk about the plagues they may use scallions or leeks to gently hit each other on the shoulders as a bitter reminder of the Jews’ time of enslavement.
This book is a great overview of the Seder and the Passover story that you can use to direct your family’s celebrations or add to your current family traditions.
About the book: 112 pages, paperback edition published 2024 by Kalaniot Books, suggested retail price $19.99.
An Invitation to Passover by Rabbi Kerry Olitsky and Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen, illustrated by Mariia Kolker, tells the story of Hannah, whose extended family can’t come to the Seder this year, so she invites her friends, who bring their own traditions to the table.
It’s a lighthearted and sweet look at the traditions and meaning of Passover, not just as a religious holiday that recalls Jewish history, but also as a celebration of spring, an even that brings people together, and a day of special food including bitter things, sweet things, and of course matzoh (and matzoh ball soup!). There’s even a recipe so you can make your own matzah for your Passover celebration.
About the book: 32 pages, paperback, published 2024 by Kalaniot Books, suggested retail price $11.99.
Homemade Passover Seder Plates
Leave a Reply