Tuesday Morning Torah – April 9, 2019

Boker Tov- Good morning! First, a reminder to join us tomorrow as we partner with the Mental Health Association Of Monmouth County to host the first of a three part series: “Starting the Conversation”: a presentation focused on de-stigmatization and the importance of open and safe conversation surrounding mental illness. Thursday, April 11, 7PM

1. Click here for the Rabbinical Assembly Passover Guide complete with the rules and regulations of the holiday.

2. Here are a few suggestions to mix up your seder this year:

Have kids create a Passover play ahead of time that they will perform at the seder (organize props ahead of time)

Prepare a game of charades for the participants at your seder to guess the characters in the story of the Exodus.

Prepare a game of Jeopardy with Passover themed answers to play during the Ma Nishtanah

Purchase a “ten plagues kit,” or create one yourself to use during the section of the ten plagues

Decorate your table for the holiday and the room for Passover. Don’t be afraid to be creative- turning the room into Egypt and the journey towards the Promised Land!

Print out the Ma Nishtanah in multiple languages and give everyone a chance to recite them after the youngest has finished.

Check out one of these Seder supplements about Hunger and Immigration. Although immigration is a hot button topic these days, in general, I would encourage you to use the seder as a starting point to discuss the issues of the day in a way that is thoughtful, respectful, and loving to one another. For thousands of years Jews have understood that debate, when done respectfully, is something that should be fostered and not avoided. When done with thought and care, healthy debate can strengthen our bonds to one another.

Share some family history at the table relating to the themes of the Seder (family coming to America from Eastern Europe, experiences of family members during the Holocaust, family members living in Israel, or other stories of families fleeing persecution)

If relatives immigrated, have them bring their Passports to share of their journey. If you have copies of historical documents related to your families journey to this country- share them around the table.

Ask your seder participants to bring one good question related to Judaism or Passover with them to the seder and discuss the questions during the Ma Nishtanah.

Have guests discuss of modern day examples of slavery that are related to our daily lives- either literally, or metaphorically.

Find quotes about freedom and stick them under everyone’s plate. When you get to the Avadim Hayyinu, “we were slaves, but now we are free,” spend some time talking about what “freedom” means to you.

3. It is a custom to give ma’ot chittin, gifts to the poor on Passover. Consider sending in a check to the synagogue, or making a donation to any organization that directly benefits the poor. We collect your donations and give them to organizations that fight against hunger.

4. Don’t forget to sell your Hametz- click here to fill out your form. Feel free to drop it off, mail it in, or scan/email it to me directly.

5. Lastly, consider buying a new Haggadah.  Click here to get started and check out the new Graphic Novel Haggadah that is wonderful for kids!

Most of all- Have a wonderful and meaningful Passover experience!