Passover, also known as Pesach, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. The holiday is celebrated for eight days and begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which falls in March or April. Passover is a time of remembrance and renewal, and it is an important holiday in the Jewish calendar.
Teaching students about Passover can be an exciting and informative experience. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Passover and suggest some websites and children’s books that teachers can use in their classroom to teach their students about this important holiday.
Passover commemorates the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. According to the Book of Exodus, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for over 400 years. God chose Moses to lead his people out of slavery, and after many trials and tribulations, the Israelites were finally freed. Passover celebrates this journey from slavery to freedom and is a time to remember the sacrifices and hardships that the Israelites faced.
During Passover, families gather together to share a Seder meal, which includes symbolic foods and readings from the Haggadah, a book that tells the story of the Israelites’ journey. The Seder plate contains six symbolic foods, including bitter herbs, a shank bone, and matzo, which is unleavened bread. The Seder meal also includes four cups of wine, which represent the four promises of redemption that God made to the Israelites.
To teach students about Passover, teachers can use a variety of resources, including websites and children’s books. One website that provides an overview of the holiday is Chabad.org. This website offers a comprehensive guide to Passover, including the history of the holiday, customs and traditions, and recipes for traditional Passover dishes. Teachers can use this website to provide their students with an understanding of the significance of Passover and the customs and rituals associated with the holiday.
Another website that teachers can use to teach their students about Passover is My Jewish Learning. This website offers a variety of resources, including articles, videos, and recipes, that can be used to teach students about the holiday. The website also includes information about the Seder meal and the Haggadah, which teachers can use to help their students understand the symbolism and meaning behind the Seder.
There are also many children’s books that teachers can use to teach their students about Passover. One popular book is “The Passover Lamb” by Linda Elovitz Marshall. This book tells the story of a young Jewish girl who saves a lamb from being sold for slaughter and decides to raise it as her own. The book explores themes of compassion and freedom, and is a great way to introduce young students to the story of Passover.
Another popular children’s book is “The Matzo Ball Boy” by Lisa Shulman. This book tells the story of a young boy made from a matzo ball who helps a poor family during Passover. The book is a fun and engaging way to teach students about the customs and traditions of Passover.
If you are looking for an easy to use resource for your class, check out my Story of the Passover resource in my TpT store! Easy prep and a great way to bring together the story of the Passover!
In conclusion, teaching students about Passover is an important way to help them understand the history and traditions of the Jewish people. By using websites and children’s books, teachers can provide their students with a comprehensive understanding of the holiday and the customs and rituals associated with it. Passover is a time of remembrance and renewal, and by teaching our students about this important holiday, we can help them develop a deeper appreciation for the values of compassion, freedom, and faith.
