Passover is an important holiday that has been celebrated for centuries. It marks the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and it is a time for families to come together, share the holiday’s story, and remember our past. Although there are many traditional practices that we associate with the Passover Seder, one of the most meaningful aspects is teaching children about the meaning of the Simanim—the special symbols guiding us through the night. In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s so important to teach your child about these symbols, how to introduce them effectively, and why they should be passed on to future generations. With a little guidance and creativity, you can ensure that your child learns the true meaning of Passover while also having fun!
The Importance of Teaching Your Child the True Meaning of the Passover Seder
Passover is more than just a holiday for many families, it is an important part of the Judaism and carries with it centuries of tradition and culture. For many Jews, this time of year marks the celebration of freedom from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. Teaching your children about the significance behind this story helps ensure that they are connected to their faith in a meaningful way.
Furthermore, educating them on the Simanim—the orderly steps of the Seder—helps bring together individuals from different backgrounds and celebrates unity within Judaism as a whole. These rituals are not only steeped in history but are also integral parts of creating lasting family memories for generations to come.
Section The Simanim and Their Meanings
Kadesh. This is when we make Kiddush and sanctify the holiday by reciting a special prayer over a cup of wine, just like we do every Friday night and Shabbat morning. The word “Kadesh” means “sanctify” or “make holy.”
Urchatz. This is when we wash our hands before dipping the Karpas (vegetable) into salt water. The word “Urchatz” means “wash.”
Karpas. This is when we dip a vegetable (parsley and potatoes are the popular ones) into salt water and eat it to remember the tears of the Jewish slaves in Egypt. The word “Karpas” refers to any vegetable that we use for this purpose.
Yachatz. This is when we break the middle Matzah in half and hide one piece for later in the Seder. The word “Yachatz” means “divide” or “separate.”
Maggid. This is when we tell the story of the Exodus from Egypt; the Ten Plagues, the splitting of the Red Sea, and the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The word “Maggid” means “telling.”
Rachtza. This is when we wash our hands again, this time in preparation for the eating of the Matzah. The word “Rachtza” means “wash.”
Motzi Matzah. This is when we recite the blessing over the Matzah and eat it. The word “Motzi” means “bring forth” and “Matzah” refers to the unleavened bread that we eat on Passover.
Maror. This is when we eat a bitter herb (usually horseradish and/or lettuce) to remember the bitterness of slavery in Egypt. The word “Maror” means “bitter.”
Korech. This is when we make a sandwich with Matzah and Maror, to symbolize the mixing of bitterness and sweetness in life. The word “Korech” means “to bind”, referring to the binding of the Matzah and Maror together as a sandwich.
Shulchan Orech. This is when we eat the festive meal, which usually includes traditional Passover dishes depending on which part of the world your family is from. The phrase “Shulchan Orech” means “set table.”
Tzafun. This is when we search for and eat the piece of Matzah that was hidden earlier in the Seder. The word “Tzafun” means “hidden.”
Barech. This is when we recite the Birkat Hamazon or “Bench” in Yiddish, the Grace After Meals. The word “Barech” means “bless.”
Hallel. This is when we recite psalms of praise and thanksgiving to God for redemption from Egypt. The word “Hallel” means “praise.”
Nirtzah. This is the conclusion of the Seder. We express our hope and desire for the final redemption and the return to the promisedl and. The word “Nirtzah” means “accepted.”
