by Rebekah Dickinson
Every year, from time immemorial, Jewish
families have celebrated Passover with the
Seder. The word seder means “order” and the
specifically delineated Seder that is performed
on the first night of Passover retells the story
of the Israelites’ escape from slavery – through
symbols, rituals, story, song and food.
How do we do all of this – prepare the meal,
the Seder Plate, all the decorations – and keep
the kids happy, engaged and willing to
participate?
Plan ahead with some props and you’ll see how
much fun the Seder can be – for children and
adults alike. Since the idea of the Seder is to
get children interested and involved, the Ten
Plagues is a good opportunity to add an
interactive element to the meal. Here are some
suggestions:
1. BLOOD: Prepare a large, clear pitcher by
adding some red food coloring at the bottom. At
the right moment, pour in some water, and watch
the water magically turn to “blood!”
2. FROGS: Have everyone get out of their
chairs and hop around the room, croaking like
frogs. What a great way to stretch out before
the next part of the Seder.
3. LICE: Buy a bunch of plastic bugs and at the
appropriate moment, toss them into the air!
4. WILD ANIMALS: Buy all kinds of plastic
lions, snakes, elephants and bears. Place them
strategically around the room.
5. PESTILENCE: This is the plague where all
the animals died of disease. So, if you can
impersonate a dead animal, go for it!
6. BOILS: When the Egyptians were covered
with open sores, they had unbearable itching!
Why not have everyone at your Seder table break
out into an uncontrollable fit of itching!
7. HAIL: Marshmallows work best for this, but
foam and cotton balls work, too. If you’re more
adventurous, use ping-pong balls – just be
careful of the glassware!
8. LOCUSTS: Everyone get up again and hop!
It’s another good way to stretch just before the
festive meal.
9. DARKNESS: Have everyone put on a blindfold
and try walking around the room for two minutes!
Lots of fun!
10. FIRST BORN: We all would have preferred that
the Egyptians acknowledged God’s sovereignty,
and been spared this terrible punishment.
Instead, let’s focus on the parting of the Red
Sea. Buy an aqua-colored “curtain”, and have
everyone pass through it. Place a sign overhead:
“You are now leaving Egypt.”
Fabulous children-friendly Seders abound in
Atlanta!
Here are just a few…
Marcus Jewish Community Center
Family Seders at Zaban Park
5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody.
Call 770-395-2646 to make a reservation.
Annual Chocolate Seder
April 9, 1:30 - 3 p.m. A sweet new way to
welcome Passover! $35 per family.
Families & Young Adults Seders
April 12, 6:30 p.m. Adults $36, children 4-10
$18, children 3 and under free.
Congregation Dor Tamid
Annual Congregational Passover Seder
April 13, 5-8 p.m. Windward Marriott,
5750 Windward Pkwy., Alpharetta.
Open to all. Children’s choir will perform
following the Seder. Reservations required. $30
(adults) $15 (children 2-12). 770-623-8860.
Passover Seder at Dick and Harry’s
April 12, 7 p.m.
Reservations required. Adults $55-$60, children
12 and under $30. 1570 Holcomb Bridge
Rd., Roswell. 770-641-8757.
