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It's Matzah Time
"V'shinantem l'vanecha, v'dibarta bam, You shall teach [words of Torah] to your children and speak of them" (Deut. 6:7) These are words we speak often in prayer, perhaps without considering their true importance. How many of us are really engaged in teaching our children the ways of Jewish learning and tradition on a daily basis? While it would be wonderful if all of us could do it, the reality of our lives is such that we teach our kids lessons as the need arises. A fight happened at school? We step in and teach about the values of understanding others and what is truly worth fighting for. We hear our child say something unflattering about another? A golden moment arises to instruct in the idea of lashon hara, slander and gossip, and just how much damage they can do. So it is with our kids day today, as we fill in when the need and opportunity present themselves. Still, we have a few times in the year when we get the chance to do a "set piece" of Jewish education in our own homes. The Passover Seder, which will happen on the evening of March 27th, is unparalleled in our tradition in terms of teaching importance. The whole purpose of the Seder is to teach our children. The unusual foods, the questions, the multiple cups of wine, and the story are all meant to prompt a child's curiosity and provide his or her parents with the chance to teach about the Exodus and the value of freedom. It's the single best chance we have during the year to impart something of our own family traditions and our own understanding of freedom, both physical and spiritual. We all know this in our hearts to be true. Passover Seder is the single most observed ritual among Jews, regardless of affiliation or geography. So what could be wrong with that? The only sticking point with our Passover celebrations is if they become boring to the children. If the only question they ask during the Seder is "Can we eat yet?" then it's time to jazz up the proceedings. One of the tricks that works best is to do something really different every year. While telling the story from the Haggadah, have a list of questions ready to ask, something appropriate for each age that will stimulate interest. Use different tunes for the old songs. See if you can set one to a pop song that the children know. The more unusual you can be, the better. Cook some Passover foods from other parts of the Jewish world. Have a skit ready to act out. Try giving costumes to the children so they can re-enact the Exodus story. Use a small art project or game that involves the very young. Anything that keeps the children interested or even prompts them to ask, "Why are we doing this?" is a sign of success. Passover is also called z' man cheiruteinu, the Time of our Freedom. Be free in how you celebrate! The lessons that we teach our kids at the Seder will last a lifetime. If all they remember about Passover is a long, boring Seder and a grumbling stomachs, they just might grow up to do the same thing when they have families of their own. It could become a family tradition! This year let's all do our best to make our Seders fun and meaningful for each member of family, and celebrate in the freedom whose start we commemorate every year on Passover. Chag Sameach! B'Shalom |
