While many families across the globe observe common Passover traditions — asking the four questions, searching for the afikomen, hosting a seder — one of the most fun parts about growing up and becoming a parent (or aunt or uncle) is getting to start your own traditions to pass along.
Related: What is L’dor Vador?
The Jewish value of l’dor vador (Hebrew for “from generation to generation”) is about older family members passing down traditions and knowledge so that younger relatives can carry these family treasures forward. Whether you use your great-grandfather’s Haggadah, play a seder game your children invented, or both, the beauty of sharing meals and holidays with each generation is in creating memories, stories, and new traditions to pass along. We asked PJ Library parents from around North America to tell about their special additions to family seders.
Passover Traditions from Around the World
Did you know that in Hungary it’s traditional to decorate the seder table with jewelry? Or that some families hit each other with leeks or spring onions during the seder? Or break dishes? Learn more about Passover customs from around the world:
What PJ Library Families Are Adding to Their Passover Seders:
“In our family, wearing “matzah pajamas” has become a Passover tradition. It started during the pandemic, when my toddler named his pajamas “matzah pajamas” and insisted on wearing them throughout the seder. Now, we mark the long night together in comfort — from Ma Nishtanah to bedtime!”
-Yael, New York
“When my youngest was little and super-into karate, the kids started a tradition of karate-chopping the matzah instead of breaking it. All these years later, and it’s still going strong.”
-Sarah, Boston
“We make bingo cards for everyone. Throughout the seder, everyone plays along.”
-Heather, North America
Quite a few families also mentioned building special musical playlists to listen to during the week, playing with plague props, dressing up in themed clothing for their second seder, and watching a movie such as The Prince of Egypt ahead of time.
We’d love to hear about YOUR traditions – tag us on Instagram to share.
Read Stories About Family Passover Traditions
Check out one of these books:
How to Play Question Quest: A Seder Game
This year, why restrict yourself to four questions? Here’s a game that will keep the questions coming.
Supplies:
- Small strips of paper
- Pen/pencil
- Bowl
Instructions:
- On each strip of paper, write a question to ask at the seder. (Anything goes!)
- Put all of the strips into a bowl.
- Take turns drawing questions.
- Each person in the group offers an answer; go around the table. (If you have a large group, just have the question “picker” answer).
More
Hosting a Kid-Friendly (and Kid-Driven!) Passover Seder
How Making Matzah Balls Taught Me About Parenting
What Happens At a Seder?
March 9, 2026