This year Passover begins at sundown on Monday, April 22, 2024 and ends in the evening on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
The story of Passover is not just a story. It’s a collective remembrance of the Jewish people, passed down for generations. The tale itself starts with an act of forgetting: The new pharaoh of Egypt has forgotten about the history of Joseph and the Israelites in his country, and now he sees them as outsiders. This act of forgetting sets in motion a terrible saga of slavery. Reading the story reinforces a key teaching of the Torah (the first five books of the Bible): Treat the stranger fairly, because you were once slaves in Egypt.
The story of Passover has many twists and turns. The first important turning point takes place before Moses is born, when Pharaoh’s astrologers tell him a Hebrew boy will eventually lead the slaves out of Egypt. This results in Pharaoh’s darkest law — and Miriam’s plot to save her brother. When Moses grows up, he sees a taskmaster beating a slave. Not only does Moses feel moral outrage, he also feels a new connection with his people. After he runs away, Moses encounters the burning bush. If he hadn’t been paying attention, he might not have noticed that the bush was not being consumed by the flames.When Moses tunes in, God speaks to him — ushering in another turning point. Passover highlights both spiritual attention and connection with our community.
Use the buttons below for everything you need to learn more and celebrate Passover with your kids this year.
Related: Passover FAQ For Kids
Passover with Kids Under Age 5
For small children and toddlers, Passover is experienced through the senses: the taste of salt water and spicy horseradish, the sounds of singing songs and blessings, the hunt for the afikomen, and the sweet comfort of coming together with family. Introduce your little ones to Passover with these books:
You can also:
Make a simple afikomen bag together.
Sing "Dayenu" together.
Singalong and learn the words with this video from BimBam
Passover with Kids Ages 5+
As kids get older it’s easier to involve them in traditions such as cleaning the house before Passover, and asking the four questions. You can also explore the Passover story in more detail, using it as a jumping off point for talking about what it means to be brave, thinking about the Jewish value of ometz lev, or courage, and thinking about what it means to be a leader like Moses. Explore books for this age group:
Listen to Humpty Dumpty and the Passover Feast, the Passover episode of Beyond the Bookcase, wherever you enjoy podcasts.
You can also:
Watch a special Shaboom! Passover special together:
Celebrate Passover with the Plonys.
Play a Passover card game
Make Passover puppets
Passover with Tweens
Since kids in this age group already know the customs and traditions associated with Passover, focus on books that build on themes inherent in the story of Exodus: courage, bravery, and doing what is right. Here are some great titles to check out:
February 8, 2022