In the spring, people of the Jewish faith celebrate Passover (or Pesach). It is an eight-day observance of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The story of how Moses led the Jews from their misery is chronicled in the Bible's book of Exodus.
Exodus gives the amazing account of how God sent the 10 plagues upon Pharaoh Ramses II when he refused to free the Israelites from slavery. As the 10th plague, God said he would kill the first born of man and beast. The Jews were told to mark their doors with lamb's blood as protection, so that this last plague would "pass over" them. After this 10th plague, the Pharaoh let the Jews go. But he then sent soldiers after them. God gave Moses the power to part the Red Sea in order to escape the Pharaoh's men, once and for all.
The celebration of the Jews' freedom -- Passover --- has been observed for more than 3000 years. There are many special prayers and traditions observed during this holiday, including avoiding certain foods on the days leading up to Passover, and then eating special foods (which remind those at the table of the Jews' days of slavery) at lavish meals called seders, during the first two days of Passover.
Your family may have its own way of preparing for this time of year, using a favorite story, song or recipe. But we've got some wonderful books that explain the story of Passover and some of the important and fun traditions that go along with it. We hope you'll check them out.
--- Shannon Maughan
UNCLE ELI'S SPECIAL FOR KIDS MOST FUN EVER UNDER THE TABLE PASSOVER HAGGADAH
by Eliezer Segal
illustrated by Bonnie Gordon-Lucas
No Starch Press
ISBN: 1886411263
64 pages
A story of Passover, young readers meet a cast of hilarious sages and unforgettable creatures as part of the events, personalities, and rituals of the Seder -- all told rhyming verse and whimsical color illustrations.
THE KIDS' CATALOG OF PASSOVER
by Barbara Rush and Cherie Karo Schwartz
Jewish Publication Society
ISBN: 0827606877
Ages 9-12
384 pages
This comprehensive guide to Passover teaches, entertains and celebrates through stories, customs, recipes, games, crafts and songs.
JEWISH HOLIDAY CRAFTS FOR LITTLE HANDS
by Ruth Esrig Brinn
illustrated by Katherine Kahn
Kar-Ben Copies
ISBN: 092937147X
Ages 9-12
128 pages
More than 150 easy-to-make projects for Shabbat and 11 Jewish holidays. A Tu B'Shevat Recycler, Kibbutz Tractor, simple Purim costumes, crowns, and jewelry. With things to grow, snacks, and games. A mini-dictionary and explanation introduces each holiday.
TELL IT FROM THE TORAH
by Gedalia Peterseil
illustrated by Name
Pitspopany Press
ISBN: 0943706998
488 pages
This book covers the Torah in depth in a way easily understood by kids, gives stories of the sages (from Pirkei Avot) in connection with the parsha, gematria, and is full of humorous anecdotes.
CELEBRATING PASSOVER
by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith
illustrated by Lawrence Migdale
Holiday House
ISBN: 0823414205
Ages 8-12
32 pages
Join Micah and his family as they prepare for and celebrate Passover. You'll meet Micah's relatives and hear how they honor their ancestors, the Israelites, by reenacting their escape from Egypt. And you'll even see how Micah reads from the Haggadah at the family's seder. Crisp photos make you really feel like you're part of the festivities.
ON PASSOVER
by Cathy Goldberg Fishman
illustrated by Melanie W. Hall
Simon & Schuster/Aladdin
ISBN: 0689832648
Ages 5-up
40 pages
A young girl describes all the preparations her family makes for Passover and helps explain their religious significance, in this softly illlustrated picture book. A simple glossary is included.
WHY ON THIS NIGHT?: A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration
by Rahel Musleah
illustrated by Louise August
Simon & Schuster/Aladdin
ISBN: 068983313X
Ages 6-10
112 pages
This haggadah (interpretation of the book of Exodus) encourages plenty of kid participation. Try your hand at the plays, songs, activities and poems here, and create some great new family traditions. This book also includes clear explanations of this important holiday and its symbols. Beautiful illustrations help make this volume a family keepsake.
MIRIAM'S CUP: A Passover Story
by Fran Manushkin
illustrated by Bob Dacey
Scholastic Trade
ISBN: 0590677209
Ages 5 to 9
32 pages
It's Passover at the Pinsky home --- time for the Seder --- and once again, Mama makes a point of slowing her frenzied pace to tell her children the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of captivity. But this time, she remembers Miriam --- a prophet and visionary who helped Moses free their people from slavery in Egypt.
THE STORY OF PASSOVER
by Norma Simon
illustrated by Erika Weihs
HarperCollins
ISBN: 0064434915
Ages 7-10
32 pages
Simon skillfully retells the Biblical story of how Moses freed the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. She also describes the songs and prayers of the Haggadah and the special, symbolic foods that contemporary Jewish families enjoy during this holiday. Weihs provides handsome dusty desert scenes and warm family portraits as accompaniment.
SWEET WORDS TO GOD: A Child's Book of Jewish Prayers
by Arnold M. Goodman
illustrated by Daniel Gill
Longstreet Press
ISBN: 1563526654
Ages 4-8
48 pages
The Jewish home is called a mikdash me'at, a mini sanctuary. While the synagogue experience is treasured and an important component of the Jewish religious life, the home is where early memories are formed and basic attitudes about God, prayer, and community begin to take shape.
PASSOVER MAGIC
by Roni Schotter
illustrated by Marylin Hafner
Little, Brown & Company
ISBN: 0316779288
Ages 4-7
32 pages
One of the greatest things about any holiday is getting together with family. And for the Passover Seder in this book, relatives quickly fill all the spaces at the table to share food, fun and traditions. With such hustle and bustle, things never get boring. And Uncle Harry keeps everyone amused with his silly magic tricks.
THE FAMILY HAGGADAH
by Ellen Schecter
illustrated by Neil Waldman
Viking Childrens Books
ISBN: 0670883417
All ages
80 pages
With this handy step-by-step guide to the rituals of the traditional Seder, the whole family can join in the Passover celebration. You'll find recipes, stories, songs and helpful advice --- everything you need to make the holiday special.
