| Education and Activities
 Social Studies & History: Passover’s lesson for all people is the joy of freedom. Parents can use this meal to discuss with children how lucky we are to be free, and how many people around the world still struggle for this right. One of the main symbols of freedom at Passover is matzo, which resembles a cracker. Before fleeing Egypt, the Jewish people had no time to wait for bread to rise, so matzo bread is unleavened. Many Jewish families observe the holiday by not eating any leavened foods, instead consuming matzo throughout Passover. During the seder, parents hide a special piece of matzo, called the Afikoman, and children search for it—whoever finds it first gets a prize.
Food: Passover celebrates the Israelites’ release from slavery in Egypt and begins with a special dinner called the seder. Traditional Passover foods include matzo, brisket, matzo ball soup and haroset—a blend of fruit and nuts served with matzo.
Music & Art: The whole family celebrates Passover with songs and storytelling. “Dayenu,” an age-old children’s song, expresses thankfulness during the seder. At the seder, a conversation about the history of the holiday starts with the youngest child singing the four questions, which begin by asking, “Why is this night different from any other night?”
Math: Passover occurs in the beginning of the Jewish religious year, which starts in the spring. In 2008, the holiday runs from April 20th to the 27th. How many days does Passover last?
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