Category Archives: Holidays

(from Babaganewz) Afghanis distribute green onions during the song “Dayenu” and hit each other with the stalks when the ninth stanza begins. Besides being hilarious to watch, this custom teaches text: Some have speculated that the ritual refers to when … Continue reading →

(from Babaganewz) Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Horowitz (1760-1827) invited Seder participants to pour wine from their own goblets into Elijah’s cup. This symbolized the personal deeds and contributions that each person must make to bring redemption. When doing this, think carefully … Continue reading →

(from Babaganewz) To commemorate the gold and silver that the Egyptians showered on the Israelites as they fled (Shemot 12:35), Jews in Hungary decorated their Seder tables with all of their valuable jewels.

(from Edith Sommer) A list of questions about passover is given to the children (or adults if you wish).  As each child says the correct answer, a little gift is given.

(from Caryn Huberman) We sit in the living room and begin to tell the story and as we leave”Egypt” in the livingroom to go to the dining room, we throw notes into a pool of red water (The Red Sea–a … Continue reading →

Whipping one another with scallions while singing dayenu-a Persian Jewish tradition –a big hit with young boys and others! (from Caryn Huberman)

A terrific annual tradition is to have all the guests sign a special Hagaddah used so that each year you can look back and remember who attended each year!

One interesting tradition for Pesach: Each adult at the seder is to bring their own favorite Hagaddah and find a favorite part to share. Also in some parts you read the different versions to discuss the differences.

Why do we recline on Pesach? The seder is supposed to take place with everyone in a reclining position. This is because slaves ate hurriedly; the affluent and free were able to recline on cushions. On erev Pesach (Passover eve), … Continue reading →

A relatively new custom is to add an orange to the sedar plate. This represents the acceptance of women in to leadership roles in Judiasm. There was a comment made at a service “Women on the bimah are like an … Continue reading →