Jewish News Supplement - Passover (April 2024)

PASSOVER

April 22 - 30

Passover traditions around the world PASSOVER

Stephanie Peck

Passover is a uniquely Jewish holiday, with four cups of wine, matzah, 10 plagues, and the central Seder plate. Though traditions and rituals vary among families and different cultures, the Passover story, retold each year, celebrates freedom during the Exodus from Egypt.

Even in the United States, even in Virginia, even in Tidewater, Passover traditions and seders vary from locale to locale and from home to home. Imagine the differences from country to country!

Five community members share their seder experiences outside of the United States, detailing the foreign cuisine, joyous moods, global themes, and even political ramifications in observing Pesach.

Audrey Peck France

While studying abroad last year, I unexpectedly ended up at a Passover seder in Montpellier, France with a family I had never met. While my French language skills are not bad, I was grateful to learn that most of them spoke English.

Other than that, and the seder being in French and Hebrew instead of English and Hebrew, the evening was almost identical to the seders I experienced growing up. The family went around the table, each person reading a different part. When it was my turn, they asked if I wanted to read in French, English, or Hebrew. There was not an English option in the Haggadah, so I opted for French.

As the meal was being served, they asked if I knew what gefilte fish was. Again, their meal was almost identical to what I would have been eating at home. For dessert, they served the most delicious kosher for Passover cake I think I’ve ever had.

This family was incredibly welcoming, and it was an evening most people won’t be lucky enough to experience. In typical French fashion, the meal did not start until relatively late, so I finally made it home close to 1:30 am with enough matzah and cake for a month!

Judit Roth Hungary

In the 1980s, the reality for Jewish families in Hungary was stark. Openly practicing one’s faith was not an option, so we were unable to celebrate Passover. Living under the oppressive shadow of the Iron Curtain, practicing our faith meant risking persecution, discrimination, and much worse.

In Szekesfehervar, the city I grew up in, with no synagogues to gather in and religious education banned, the essence of Passover remained elusive for us. Most of our family members had perished in the Holocaust, leaving us disconnected from our heritage and traditions. In the absence of a vibrant Jewish community, we struggled to maintain our identity in secret, hidden from the prying eyes of authorities and neighbors.

We did receive one box of matzah from Israel each year, and this was quietly distributed by one of the Jewish aid organizations in Budapest. Receiving the matzah was a bittersweet reminder of our faith, delivered clandestinely yet unable to be fully embraced.

One of the driving forces behind my decision to move to the United States was the desire to embrace Judaism, to raise my future children in a community where our faith could be celebrated openly and without fear.

My first seder in Virginia Beach remains a cherished memory. Held at the gorgeous home of Sara and Aaron Trub, with my then in-laws, Dr. Joseph and Rosalee Familant, the seder was a beautifully presented affair, rich with tradition and familial warmth. We took turns reading from the Haggadah, and though I struggled with some pronunciations, the experience was deeply meaningful. From the unfamiliar gefilte fish to the time-honored rituals, every moment felt like a revelation. But what struck me most was the simple joy of being present, openly and proudly Jewish, surrounded by a tight-knit family. It was in that moment that I knew I had made the right decision to move to the United States, where I could embrace my faith without fear and celebrate my heritage with others who understood its significance.

Audrey Peck in Montpellier, France during the 2023 spring semester.

Judit Roth, her brother, and mother in Hungary in the 1980’s.

PASSOVER

Janice Foleck England

In England when I was growing up, we began the seder after sunset and ended sometime around midnight. Everyone dressed in their best clothes.

One of the major differences was that everyone had their own Haggadah and no two were the same, so you had to pay attention because everyone was on a different page. We never skipped anything. The service was in Hebrew and led by my grandfather, but we read together as opposed to here where we go around the table. Also, the karpas that we dipped in salt water was potato not celery.

At the age of five, I had to learn the four questions by heart in both languages because I couldn’t read.

The six-course meal was similar to what we have here. One of the things I remember as different was my grandmother would break sheets of matzah into small pieces and soak them in the juice from the homemade gefilte fish. I never remember eating gefilte fish from a jar, always homemade. In England, they make fried, as well as boiled, gefilte fish.

My grandfather made all the Pesach wine in the basement of their house which was used as a Pesach kitchen.

After Elijah’s cup was Grace After Meals. Then the rest of the service, including my favorite part, which was when we sang ALL the songs.

When I started making my own seders, I followed the English pattern and our children and grandchildren now follow many of these traditions.

THIS PASSOVER , ELIJAH’S WON’T BE THE ONLY EMPTY SEAT AT THE TABLE.

As we celebrate the seder, we remember those who should still be with us. Some of those seats belong to Magen David Adom medics, who gave their lives trying to save others. Your donation provides the equipment MDA needs so that next year only Elijah’s seat may be empty.

Join the effort at afmda.org or call 866.632.2763.

The Foleck family, almost 55 years later, in Virginia Beach.

Janice and Rick Foleck at their wedding in London, England on March 9, 1969.

PASSOVER

Naomi Limor Sedek Australia

The beauty of the Passover Seder is that the retelling is codified. The Haggadoth codify our shared journey from slavery to freedom, the people and their unique experiences sharing space around the table flavor the retelling. My upbringing in an Ashkenazi household centered around cherished traditions like the lively singing of Who Knows One. Upon marrying into my husband's Sephardic Persian family 26 years ago, I embraced new customs, such as incorporating rice and playfully whipping each other with green onions during Dayenu

Last Passover, my husband and I traveled across the globe to Australia to visit our daughter who was studying abroad in Sydney for the semester. We reunited with old friends, the Schach family from Nashville, for the first night seder, reminiscent of the comfort and familiarity akin to our ancestors in Egypt.

Our second seder was more kismet. The experience began around the Shabbat table two weeks before our departure in Norfolk at the home of Rashi and Levy Brashevitzky. I knew that we were going to be in Melbourne, Australia on our way to see the penguins in Phillips Island and knew no one in the area. At Shabbat dinner, Rashi’s brother, Levi, was visiting from Israel and we were playing Jewish geography. It so happens his wife, Aidel, has an uncle in Melbourne and connected us. I reached out to her Aunt Michi to see if there was a communal seder in Melbourne that we could attend. She insisted that we join her family as guests around their seder table.

Our second seder in Melbourne epitomized the journey of the Israelites leaving Egypt. Through a serendipitous connection, we found ourselves welcomed into the home of strangers, experiencing the warmth of hospitality, and forming lasting friendships, despite initial uncertainties.

In Sydney, reunited with the Schachs, a unique Passover experience awaited at the Great Synagogue—a chorale concert for the Counting of the Omer. Led by Rabbi Menachem Feldman, the choir's performance displayed a fusion of Western Jewish choral music, offering a soul-stirring interpretation of tradition.

Despite the vastness of the world, our Jewish family remains interconnected and hospitable. I encourage others to embrace the spirit of exploration, as our ancestors did in their quest for freedom. As wwe say in the seder, “Next year in Jerusalem.”

Dinah Halioua Tunisia

The day after our Muslim neighbor approached my father proclaiming to soon marry one of his daughters, my father left Tunis, Tunisia for Paris, France. My mother, sisters, and I soon followed when I was 16 years old.

Three years later, in France, I met my Moroccan husband, Raphael. Raphael’s entire family moved to Virginia where his sister had married an American. In 1969, I came to visit for two months and loved it.

Seders in Tunis were a large, family affair. First night seder was at my grandfather’s house. He was a joyful man with a beautiful voice who loved to sing. The 15 granddaughters would all have a sleepover after the seder. Our second night seder was a smaller event at my other grandmother’s house, with my four uncles and cousins. Gefilte fish and matzah ball soup were not on the menu. Instead, first night’s dinner began with a vegetable soup, followed by a meat dish stuffed with carrots, fennel, coriander, parsley, and other spices. On the second night, I remember stuffed artichoke with peas served with rice (a Sephardic tradition on Passover) and a kugel-like dish with potato, egg, and chicken.

Raphael’s family traditionally served brains and tongue for the lunches during yontiv, so I prepare Tunisian recipes for the rest of the holiday. Erev Passover, in Tunisia, we did not search for chametz; instead, we had a barbeque and then burned the chametz. I continued this tradition in Virginia when my parents visited from France.

While my family observes both Moroccan and Tunisian customs during Passover, I still use my French Haggadah.

Dinah Halioua, her mother, and her older sister in Tunis, Tunisia.

Dinah Halioua’s older sister, Dinah, and her mother in Tunis, Tunisia.

Naomi Limor Sedek, her husband, Simon, and daughter, Ilanit, with the Schach family for Passover in Sydney last year.

Ilanit, Simon, and Naomi Sedek in Australia.

Dinah Halioua in Tunisia

PASSOVER

David Wolfe England

At first glance, we brought our seder traditions with us when we moved from the UK in 1994. The first night has always included friends and family. The second night is typically much smaller and sometimes just the two of us.

Pesach, more than any other time, marks the passage of time and the circle of life. The story stays the same, but the people inevitably change – even if the little, new faces remind us so much of guests of yesteryear.

My earliest memories are with my maternal grandparents in Brighton, UK. I was very close to my grandfather, Benjamin, who was born in 1905 in Brooklyn and spent his first four years in New York, before his family moved on and ended up in London. This year, we will complete a 118-year full circle family journey when we travel to New York City to join our two-year old grandson, Jacob, with our daughter and son-in-law, just a couple of miles from where his great, great grandfather celebrated his own second seder.

Pesach is our favorite holiday, with elements that we hope will never change. We will always discuss modern day freedoms. Over the years, we have covered, inter alia, excerpts from

The Freedom Writers Diary and MLK’s entire I Have a Dream speech. These texts led to some unforgettable, multi-generational discussions.

Tears will no doubt well-up as we look at our grandson and sing Said the Father, a song about the four sons’ questions that we have sung as a family for as long as we can remember, and we will think about family members seeking freedom from health issues. The perennial cries of “let my people go” and “next year in Jerusalem” will have special meaning, as we pray for the hostages who sadly remind us of the fine line we have always walked between freedom and captivity. Above all, though, Pesach will provide many wonderful memories of guests who have left us and new memories of little ones who now enrich our lives in ways we never imagined possible.

So where did our Pesach traditions come from? I think our ancestors knew a thing or two when they showed us that Jewish traditions are about family and not about geography.

Shelach et ami and Happy Pesach to all.

L’Dor V’Dor.

David Wolfe, his sister, Naomi, and their grandparents in Brighton, UK.

PASSOVER

Passover seders and more in Tidewater

Looking for a seat at a seder or a way to learn more about Passover in Tidewater? Check out this listing to see all that is taking place for the holiday around town.

Chabad of Tidewater

Passover Seders

Seders are led by Rabbis Margolin and Brashevitsky

First Night Seder: Monday, April 22, 8:30 pm

Second Night Seder: Tuesday, April 23, 8:30 pm

Suggested donation: $40/adult and $20/child RSVP www.chabadoftidewater.com/ sederrsvp.

Ohef Sholom Temple

Tot Shabbat

Friday, April 12, 5 pm

For families with children ages five and under and siblings. A special service with Rabbi Roz, Cantor Jen, and Alyson Morrissey. Songs, snacks, and fun. RSVP https://ohefsholom.org/calendar/.

Community Passover Celebration – An Innovative take on the Passover seder

Sunday, April 21, 9:30 am

Through creative activities and an interactive seder, families will get a ‘taste’ of OST Religious School.

RSVP

https://ohefsholom.org/calendar/.

Second Night Seder

Tuesday, April 23, 6 – 8 pm

Led by Rabbi Roz and Cantor Jen.

Seder dinner catered by Chef Larry Adler. $40 (ages 13+), $20 (ages 6-12), $10 (ages 2-5), free (under age 2)

RSVP by April 18.

RSVP https://ohefsholom.org/calendar/.

Simon Family JCC

A Senior’s Passover Seder

Wednesday, April 17, 12 – 2 pm $10 per person for lunch and seder.

The Simon Family JCC Seniors Club’s annual model Passover Seder will be led by Rabbi Ari.

RSVP Jewishva.org/SeniorSeder or contact Mia Klein 757-452-3184.

Accessibility accommodations are available for this community program. Accommodations must be requested at least a week prior to the event.

Temple Emanuel

Second Night Seder

Tuesday, April 23, 6 – 9 pm

Led by Rabbi Ari.

RSVP by April 17

Registration: https://tevb.shulcloud.com/ event/seder---second-night-of-pseach--savethe-date.html.

Virginia Beach Shul

First Night Seder

Led by Rabbi Lessoff

Monday, April 22, 7 pm doors open, 7:30 pm holiday services, 8 pm seder begins Financial assistance available.

For Oceanfront location of seder, prices, and registration: https://www.jewishva.org.

PASSOVER

Manischewitz® unveils new packaging and products just in time for Passover

Manischewitz®, the leading kosher brand for more than 130 years, is undergoing a major 'rebrand' with a bold fresh look and feel across the product line, along with new products, just in time for the 2024 Passover season. The updated look was initiated with the continued goal of bringing family and friends together while reaching a broader demographic, including younger and growing families.

Manischewitz is displaying the rebranded new graphics and colors across all products and promoting it heavily on the Manischewitz website, in-store displays, and social media. Plus, Manischewitz merchandise features ‘Yiddishisms’ reflecting the brand heritage available at www.manischewitz.com.

The new products reflect this new ethos, supporting the brand’s commitment to its core values while inviting a broader audience to explore the cultural richness of Jewish cuisine. Manischewitz wants to make the kosher aisle a destination for everyone, regardless of their background or dietary practices.

Those new products include its first ever frozen products: gluten-free and kosher for Passover frozen knishes; frozen gluten free matzo balls; grape seed oil in

bottle and spray can; as well as the new branding on traditional products such as the complete line of matzo; matzo meal; gefilte fish; matzo ball soup; matzo ball mix; matzo farfel; mandlen soup nuts; chocolate covered matzos; macaroons; mezonos cookies; chicken broth; cake mixes; and more.

The fresh look is a result of interviews with consumers and experts and through on-site visits to Manischewitz headquarters that delved into the historical roots of the company. This exploration highlighted the profound connection between Jewish culture, cuisine, and the importance of family and food while also addressing the societal challenge of defining Jewish food in a contemporary context.

“Manischewitz is well-known amongst our loyal consumers who buy the brand day in, day out,” says Shani Seidman, CMO of Kayco, the parent company for Manischewitz.

“To update the cultural relevancy with a younger Jewish audience as well as mainstream culturally curious audience, we have refreshed our brand with an exciting new look and feel on our current and new product offerings.”

Manischewitz is not just about food, says Seidman. “It is about stories, heritage,

and a sense of belonging. Through this rebranding, we aim to capture the hearts of the culturally curious and kosher-keeping alike, offering a taste of Jewish tradition

that is accessible to all.”

The iconic brand was founded in a small bakery built to make Passover matzo in 1888 by Rabbi Dov Behr Manischewitz.

PASSOVER

Repair the World launches

“Passover Earth Day Challenge” to inspire young Jewish volunteers to complete environmental acts of service

An organization that mobilizes Jews and their communities to take action to pursue a just world, igniting a lifelong commitment to service, Repair the World, alongside AEPi, Moishe House and other Jewish Service Alliance partners, announced the “Passover Earth Day Challenge,” aiming to contribute 5,000 Passover Earth Day Challenge service actions leading up to Passover and Earth Day, both of which occur this April 22, 2024. The initiative is also part of Global Volunteer Month throughout April.

“By forging strategic partnerships, offering Jewish service incentives, and integrating engaging social media elements, the Passover Earth Day Challenge will inspire meaningful environmental acts of service,” says Eli Greenstein Jacober, senior director of growth strategy at Repair the World. “By aligning with Earth Day and the start of Passover on April 22 this year, we are connecting environmental education and action with Passover’s story of collective liberation to further our commitment to repair the world through Jewish service. From water pollution to fast fashion, we’re tackling the environmental threats that plague our planet this April.”

Egypt in the Passover story, will dive deep into themes addressing today’s environmental crises. From tackling water and air pollution to reducing energy consumption, plastic waste, and beyond, these actions reflect our commitment to address the most pressing environmental needs based on our Jewish values,” says Greenstein Jacober.

The challenge includes these 10 environmental plagues and 10 acts of service:

Environmental Plague: Water pollution

Acts of Service: Clean up a waterway

Environmental Plague: Plastic waste

Acts of Service: Clean up plastic waste

Environmental Plague: Fast fashion and overconsumption

Acts of Service: Recycle or donate clothing or old household items

Happy Passover

The Passover Earth Day Challenge launches on Saturday, April 13 with daily acts of service running until Tuesday, April 30. Challenge participants will be encouraged to participate by either downloading a digital workbook or posting their act of service to Instagram or TikTok, using #PassoverEarthDayChallenge and tagging @RepairtheWorld to submit their completed service.

“Our 10 acts of service, inspired by the reinterpretation of the 10 Plagues upon

Environmental Plague: Air pollution

Acts of Service: Carpool, use public transit, bike or walk

Environmental Plague: Industrial agriculture

Acts of Service: Cut food waste, compost, and donate excess food

Environmental Plague: Deforestation

Acts of Service: Plant a tree

Save on what you need for a joyous holiday.

Environmental Plague: Environmental disasters

Acts of Service: Prepare a first aid kit to share

Environmental Plague: Invasive species

Acts of Service: Remove invasive plants and replace with wildflowers

Environmental Plague: Energy consumption

Acts of Service: Unplug for the day

Environmental Plague: Environmental unawareness

Acts of Service: Host an environmental plagues Seder or conversation

“Whether you’re Jewish, Jew-ish, or just passionate about the planet, join us in creating lasting environmental change and helping us reach our goal of contributing 5,000 Passover Earth Day Challenge service actions in pursuit of a just world!” says Greenstein Jacober.

This Passover, Consider Four Questions:

Do you value Tidewater Jewish organizations?

Do you want them to exist for future generations?

Do you support these organizations on an annual basis?

How will you assure Jewish tomorrows?

If you answered YES to any of the above, consider becoming a Legacy donor with the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, where we work with you and your family to develop a philanthropic plan to maximize your impact. Learn more about this and more opportunities available to you today by contacting us at foundation@tjfva.org or 757-965-6111, or visiting foundation.jewishva.org.

Passover is celebrated April 22 – 30

From California to Israel to France, a plethora of new wines are available for this Passover

• Why four cups of Wine?

T• What makes wine kosher?

he festival of Passover is an eight-day holiday celebrating the Israelites’ Exodus from Egyptian slavery. This important event in Jewish history is marked by eating a festive meal with matzah, telling the Passover story at the seder, and drinking four cups of wine. And, when you have four cups to get through in one dinner, wine quality can be important.

Royal Wine Corp. is the largest manufacturer, importer, and exporter of kosher wines and spirits, with a portfolio that spans hundreds of brands and thousands of bottles of world-class wines. For Passover 2024, they are introducing top quality wines from some of the finest wine producing regions including in California, France, Italy, Spain, and Israel, among others.

While 40 percent of annual kosher wine sales occur for the Passover holiday, sales of kosher wine and spirits have been growing significantly throughout the rest of the year.

“There’s nothing cookie-cutter about these Passover wines – they are top notch, award winning and distinctive,” says Jay Buchsbaum, vice president of wine education at Royal Wine Corp. “And, while red wine is traditional for the Passover seder, it can be a nice Burgundy or a Pinot Noir, or a Cabernet – just as long as it is kosher for Passover. There are dozens to choose from. Our portfolio consists of acclaimed wines that just happen to be kosher, recognized for our quality and value.”

Is kosher for Passover wine hard to find?

Actually, it’s easy. Most kosher wine is also kosher for Passover, making it easier to sell this wine (and for consumers to stock up on bottles) year-round. Any kosher-forPassover wine will have a “P” symbol or “Kosher for Passover” next to the kosher certification on the label.

But that’s not the case with some spirits. For example, you’ll be unlikely to find kosher-forPassover whiskey, as whiskey is made with grain.

Fine kosher wines are made the same way that fine non-kosher wines are made, says Buchsbaum. “There is no kosher winemaking ‘technique.’ What's required for the wine to be considered kosher, is that the wine be handled only by Sabbath-observant Jews. And there are plenty of fine winemakers and cellar workers who are Sabbath observant.”

Consumers looking for wines from renowned regions throughout the world can satisfy their thirst with more options than ever before. It seems the problem is not the availability of great wine but the overwhelming number of great wines to choose from. “Some of the top producers are creating award-winning varietals at every price point, and with Passover just around the corner, we want to take the guesswork out of buying wine,” says Buchsbaum.

Why four cups of wine?

One of the rituals of a Passover seder is the custom of drinking four cups of wine. The four cups of wine are consumed in a specific order as the story of Exodus is told. Served to the adults throughout the seder, these four wines represent points from the Exodus story. While there are several explanations for the significance of the number four, the connection to “freedom from exile” is often referenced. For observant Jews, the wine served should be kosher.

Gail Simmons’ Matzah Ball Soup PASSOVER

Gail Simmons

This recipe was first published on The Nosher.

Though my Grandma Snazzy, my mother’s mother, seemed to barely eat a thing (to this day, I am convinced she subsisted on toast and coffee), she was a wonderful Jewish home cook. One of her specialties was chicken soup, which she lovingly made from scratch for Friday night dinners and Jewish holidays. Loaded with carrots and tender poached chicken, it was simple yet deeply delicious, and I looked forward to it all week long.

Today I make my own Grandma Snazzy Soup, adding a few twists of my own. One slurp of this hearty hodgepodge instantly conjures up memories of being surrounded by family, being nurtured, and loved. A comfort food powerhouse, it’s sure to nourish and invigorate you.

Note: The stock, chicken, and vegetables can be made ahead and refrigerated, covered, for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month.

Ingredients

For the chicken and stock:

1 (4-5 lb) whole chicken, thighs, and breasts separated

4 medium carrots, coarsely chopped

4 medium celery ribs, coarsely chopped

2 medium yellow onions, cut into wedges

1 head garlic, halved crosswise

8 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns

For the matzah balls:

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

¼ cup schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) or canola oil

3 Tbsp club soda

2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh dill, plus more for serving

1 cup matzah meal

½ tsp baking powder

kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper half a lemon (optional), for serving

Directions

For the chicken and stock: Combine all the chicken and stock ingredients in a large stockpot. Add 3 ½ quarts water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken breasts are cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Transfer breasts to a plate. Let cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bones and set aside. Return the bones to the stock. Continue to simmer, skimming foam from the surface occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by one-third, about 2 hours. Meanwhile, shred the breast meat and refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.

Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Carefully pull out carrot and celery pieces, rinse them gently if needed, and refrigerate in a covered bowl until ready to use. Pick through and shred the dark meat, then refrigerate with the breast meat. You should have about 4 cups meat and 10 cups stock.

For the matzah balls: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, schmaltz, club

soda and dill. Stir in the matzah meal, baking powder, 2 tsp salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Refrigerate uncovered, at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Bring a large Dutch oven or wide, heavy pot of well-salted water to a boil. Scoop out the matzah ball mixture, 1 Tbsp at a time and, using wet hands, gently roll into balls. Add the matzo balls to the boiling water, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer until the matzah balls are plump, cooked through, and begin to sink to the bottom of the pot, 30-40 minutes. Remove from the heat. The matzah balls can be kept in the pot of warm water,

covered, until ready to serve.

To make the soup: While the matzah balls are simmering, warm the stock in a large pot and season with salt and pepper.

Slice the carrots and celery into ½-inch pieces and add to the soup. Add 2 cups shredded white and/or dark chicken meat and simmer to warm through, about 2 minutes. (Reserve the remaining chicken to use in salads, pastas, or other dishes.)

Ladle the soup, with chicken and vegetables, into bowls. Using a slotted spoon, transfer a matzah ball or two into each bowl. Top with a pinch of dill, and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.

Penny Schwartz (JTA) — A superhero who saves the day; the return of a beloved multi-generational family of Jewish bears; a budding young nonbinary scientist who’s an heir to Frankenstein and a folk-style Ethiopian tale are among the stars of the new Passover children’s books published in 2024.

The titles come from new entrants to the Jewish children’s literary scene as well as from prominent, award-winning writers. They include picture books, young adult novels, and two compendiums of timeless stories tied to the Passover holiday, which this year begins the evening of April 22.

Here’s your roundup of new children’s Passover books for 2024.

Where is Poppy?

Caroline Kusin Pritchard; illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; ages 4-8

In this poignant story, a young girl looks forward to celebrating Passover with her extended family, but misses her grandfather, who died during the year. When her family suggests she look for signs of her beloved Poppy, she recalls all the ways he made the seder special.

Matzah Ball Chase

Rachelle Burk; illustrated by Brittany Lakin Apples & Honey Press; ages 3-6

In this rhyming Passover story, a matzah ball made by a young Israeli girl’s grandmother flies out of her bowl of soup and bounces out of the house. The ball bounces into Jerusalem’s Old City, across Israel to Tel Aviv, Masada, and the Red Sea in a ticklish travelog that arrives at a time when many Jewish families are likely to be thinking about Israel.

Tyrannosaurus Tsuris

Susan Tarcov; illustrated by Elissambura Kar-Ben Publishing; ages 3-6

Dinosaur lovers will enjoy this story of a Tyrannosaurus Rex who is overcome by tsuris (the Yiddish word for “worry”) about whether the guests he invited will come to his seder, or whether they’ll steer clear out of fear. The solutions-oriented story teaches a lesson about the importance of being kind to guests.

Benjy’s Messy Room

Barbara Diamond Goldin; illustrated by Rita Tan Apples & Honey Press; ages 4-7

If only Benjy can put away all his toys, he’ll get to lead his family’s hunt for chametz on the evening before Passover. It’s Benjy’s favorite ritual where he’ll hide small packets of breadcrumbs that his family will have to find. To Benjy’s surprise, when he gets distracted playing with his younger sister, he discovers that turning the chore into fun is the perfect solution.

Happy

A superhero, a scientist and a T. rex who scares his seder guests star in 2024’s new Passover children’s books PASSOVER PASSOVER

Wishing you and yours a joyous Passover filled with the warmth of family, the sweetness of freedom, and the strength of tradition. May this holiday bring you peace, prosperity, and a table overflowing with delicious food! Chag Pesach Sameach!

Matzah Man to the Rescue!

Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Charlie Fowkes Apples & Honey Press; ages 5-9

Kids will delight as they follow the adventures of Matzah Man, in Eric Kimmel’s laugh-out-loud comic-style adventure about a Passover superhero who soars the skies in his blue cape, rescuing families across the globe who need help preparing for their seder. When his miracle matzah balls run low and he runs out of energy, along comes the Prophet Elijah to save the superhero’s holiday. Charlie Fowkes’ colorful, animated illustrations are perfectly paired with Kimmel’s lively text.

Everybody’s Book: The Story of the Sarajevo Haggadah

Linda Leopold Strauss; illustrated by Tim Smart Kar-Ben Publishers; ages 4-8

This gloriously illustrated, inspiring book traces the story of the historic medieval Spanish haggadah through its remarkable journey of survival, rescued multiple times by Muslims who risked their lives to save the Jewish manuscript. Today, the treasured haggadah, housed at the National Museum in Sarajevo, stands as a universal symbol of peace for people of all faiths.

PASSOVER

Workitu’s Passover: A Story from Ethiopia

Zahava Workitu Goshen and Maayan Ben Hagai; Illustrated by Eden Spivak; translated by Jessica Bonn Green Bean Books; ages 4-8

In this touching, folk-like tale, Workitu, a young Ethiopian Jewish girl, discovers that her family’s Passover ritual of smashing their hand-made clay dishes, including her favorite cup, is a meaningful tradition of transforming the old into something new. Eden Spivak’s illustrations depict the warmth of rural village life.

Frankenstein’s Matzah: A Passover Parody

K. Marcus; illustrated by Sam Loman Intergalactic Afikoman; ages 5-9

In this zany Passover caper, Vee Frankenstein, an inventive non-binary Jewish kid, is determined to win the science fair by bringing a piece of matzah to life. This witty story encourages kids to ask questions and ampli fies the Jewish value of welcoming guests, both central themes of the seder. Sam Loman’s animated, colorful cartoon-like artwork jumps off the page.

Beni’s Tiny Tales: Around the Year in Jewish Holidays

Jane Breskin Zalben

Christy Ottaviano Books; ages 4-8

More than three decades after the debut of a set of books about a charming family of Jewish bears, Beni, his sister Sara, and all their cousins are back with children of their own, in Jane Breskin Zalben’s compilation of gloriously illustrated stories, songs, craft activities, and recipes that is sure to delight a new generation of kids. A 20-page spread devoted to Passover opens with “Passover Ping Pong,” a lighthearted story that will have kids chuckling.

Afikoman, Where’d You Go? A Passover Hide-andSeek Adventure

Rebecca Gardyn Levington; illustrated by Noa Kelner Rocky Pond Books/Penguin Random House; ages 4-8

In Rebecca Gardyn Levington’s rhyming adventure, a houseful of spunky cousins search the house for the afikoman, a beloved seder ritual where kids are challenged to find the hidden piece of matzah. Readers are in for fun searching for the clever cartoonish afikoman who slips here and there in Noa Kelner’s lively illustrations.

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PASSOVER

Cacio e Pepe Matzah Brei Recipe

Stephanie Ganz

This recipe was first published on The Nosher.

Cacio e pepe translates to cheese and pepper, and the classic Roman pasta dish includes little more than those eponymous ingredients. In that recipe, spaghetti and salted pasta water combine with a salty sheep cheese called Pecorino Romano to create a silky, luxurious sauce that far surpasses the sum of its parts.

For the past few years, cacio e pepe has been on a tear among chefs and food fanatics. In a 2021 Los Angeles Times article, Jenn Harris shows that the origins of the relatively modern pasta dish are somewhat cloudy: Black pepper would have been too expensive for most Romans until the middle of the 20th century. It’s likely the dish can trace its popularity to the osterias of the 1950s and 60s, where it was probably sold to encourage patrons to drink more wine. Now, you can find cacio e pepe in everything from bagels to lasagna. Never one to miss a trend, Trader Joe’s has released cacio e pepe-flavored products, including a jarred sauce and cacio e pepe puffs.

We eat a lot of matzah brei at my house, so it was only a matter of time before I thought to mash up my morning matzah brei with this recently-trending flavor combination. Cacio e pepe’s sharp cheese and smack of black pepper are a nice balance to eggy-creamy matzah brei, and it can be on the table in about 10 minutes, making it a simple, satisfying weekday breakfast.

Ingredients

2 large eggs

1 Tbsp whole milk

2 sheets matzah

1 Tbsp butter or margarine

½ cup Pecorino Romano, finely grated

½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

¼ tsp kosher salt

Directions

Crack 2 large eggs into a small bowl with 1 Tbsp milk, and whisk until beaten. Crumble 2 sheets of matzah into the egg mixture, and allow to sit for 3-5 minutes, until soft.

Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp butter or margarine in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour the matzah-egg mixture into the pan, and while the eggs are still loose, sprinkle in ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano and ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper. Cook until the eggs are just set, 1-2 minutes, and season with 1/8 tsp kosher salt. Serve immediately.

PJ Library’s Passover Hub offers families activities, recipes, and resources

From the evening of Monday, April 22 to Tuesday, April 30, Jews across the world will partake in the annual celebration of Passover, a 3,300-year-old story of freedom and sacrifice, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt. It’s one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the Jewish calendar, and PJ Library offers dozens of ways to help celebrate, including refreshers on a few traditions and the holiday’s history, as well as an introduction for those who may be celebrating Passover for the first time.

At pjlibrary.org/Passover, just about everything about the holiday is available, including kid-friendly ways to tell the Passover story along with downloadable activities to keep children engaged during their family’s seder. Seasonal recipes, book lists, and a step-by-step video playlist where kids can learn (or refresh) some serious seder skills are all on the site. All of these resources are designed to make Passover as meaningful and family focused as possible.

Some highlights include:

• A Passover FAQ for Kids which offers answers to 10 common questions kids ask, along with easy answers for grown-ups to refer to on the spot

• Passover Printables, and

• Who Knows About Passover card game.

Of course no Jewish holiday is complete without food, so, PJ Library invites families to taste the freedom of Passover with Matzah Mania offering a trio of fun and easy matzah recipes including a homemade recipe for the unleavened bread that’s holy roll-y DIY fun in less than 18 minutes, a matzah grazing board, and more.

Throughout the 2024 holiday, PJ Library has partnered with Streit’s and is featured on their iconic matzo boxes. For others who’ve gone without the free stories and activities PJ Library sends every month, they can now be led out of the desert thanks to the opportunity to sign up for a subscription on every box of Streit’s Matzos. So, in addition to searching for the afikomen this year, families can now search for the PJ Library logo on Streit’s Matzos boxes in supermarkets across North America or on streitsmatzos.com.

For centuries, families have used the Haggadah, to tell the story of the holiday and pass down the traditions and lessons of the story to children, relatives, and friends (the Hebrew word haggadah literally means “telling”). One of the leading sources for family-friendly Haggadahs across the United States and beyond, PJ Library has shipped nearly one million Haggadahs to more than 200,000 families over the past six years. PJ Library is again offering a downloadable PDF version of IN EVERY GENERATION: A PJ LIBRARY FAMILY HAGGADAH. In addition to the traditional prayers and readings, this interactive guide to the Passover seder offers videos of songs and blessing and explanations that help make the holiday a fun, engaging, and family-friendly experience. Paperback versions of both the regular PJ Library Family Haggadah ($7.99) and a Large Print Edition ($10.99) are available for sale on the PJ Library storefront on Amazon.