Child Centered Passover Hagaddot

1992: Scenes From An Egyptian Family
1993: The Verse is Yet to Come
1994: Moses in the Committee Room
1995: The Ghosts of Passover
1997: Passover in Hollywood
1998: The Children of Israel in Detention
1999: Passover of the Plagues

Passover is a time when Jews recreate the Exodus from Egyptian slavery in an elaborate ritual that is designed not merely to recount the story but to make it possible for people to re-experience the sting of slavery every year, the better to relish freedom.

For the past ten years, Passover seders at my house have featured child-centered Haggadot that I write for the occasion.

I want each seder to be spiritual and educational and entertaining. Most of all, I want to involve the children in ways that most traditional seders, in my experience, have not.

What better way than to have a play with parts assigned for everyone at the seder table?

Some may feel these Haggadah are irreverent. All I can say is, if you do them right, they are.

Seriously, I believe these Haggadah are squarely in the spirit of Passover. The children who participate in my seders say it is the most fun and enjoyable of their lives. The parents are amazed that even the youngest children are attentive throughout the seder. Everyone laughs a lot. I believe that learning is impossible without laughter.

Here are some notes for the Seder-master:

• Make a list of everyone at the seder and assign the lines with care. As much as possible, try to give everyone an equal number of lines
• I have found that it's better to assign the major roles (Moses, Pharaoh, etc.) to the most outgoing individuals. Their willingness to get into the spirit of the play drives the event.
• In most cases, lines can be assigned almost randomly.
• Where I have blank lines, you should insert the real names of the individuals being addressed.

Some notes:

• I offer these Haggadot to you. Feel free to use them as a template for your or take from them what inspiration you like.
• My credit comes from seeing these Haggadot come alive in your home.
• I have omitted many of the prayers and songs. Insert them at your discretion.
• I have designated the roles by numbered adults and children so you can see how I did it at our seder. But you will have to reassign the roles.
• Make each seder unique. Trust your judgment.
• Good luck with your seder.