Passover is a Jewish holiday celebrated with a special meal called a Seder. The Seder has six symbolic foods that retell the story of Moses leading the Israelites to freedom. Today you will get to taste each of these six foods.
MATZO - is unleavened bread. It is flat because it has not been given time to rise. When the Israelites escaped from Egypt they did not have time to let the bread rise.
MAROR - is bitter herbs (horseradish.) It represents the suffering of the Israelites as slaves in Egypt.
CHAROSET- is a mixture of apples and honey. It represents the bricks and mortar that the Israelite slaves used to build the pyramids and palaces of Egypt. The sweetness reminds us that no matter how difficult life gets, there is always hope.
(Tip: Use the Matzo to taste the Morar and the Charoset)
KARPAS- is parsley dipped in salt water. It represents the tears of the Israelites as slaves in Egypt.
Z’ROA - is the lamb bone. It represents the sacrifice that saved the Israelites from the final plague.
BEITZAH - is an egg. It represent death and eternal life.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
K-3th GRADE QUESTIONS:
- What can you do when you see someone who is sad?
- What does it mean to have hope?
- How can you help others be hopeful?
4-6th GRADE QUESTIONS:
- Who is suffering in the world today? Why?
- How can suffering and going through difficult times
help us grow?
- Why is hope important? Where can you find hope in the world? - - How can you help others who are suffering find hope?
7-8th GRADE QUESTIONS:
- What factors contribute to human suffering?
- Beyond having hope, what actions can we take to lessen the
suffering of others?
- Is it our responsibility to help those who are suffering?
GAME: One student hides a piece of Matzo in the classroom and the rest of the students try to find it. This is a traditional Passover game.
