Passover is a wonderful time to spend with family, eat delicious food, and celebrate the Jewish holiday of freedom. It's also a time of afikomen gifts and Passover fun for kids.
One of the highlights of the holiday is the afikomen, a piece of matzah that is hidden during the seder and then searched for by the children. But what happens after the broken piece of matzah is found? Many families have a tradition of giving afikomen gifts to the children who find it. Here are some fun and engaging ideas for afikomen gifts that your children are sure to love!
But first, let's talk about what is afikomen?
Afikomen is a Hebrew word that refers to a piece of matzah that is broken and hidden during the Passover seder. The word "afikomen" comes from the Greek word "epikomion," which means "after-dinner revelry" or "dessert."
During the Passover meal the afikomen is traditionally hidden by the head of the household or by the adults, and the children are encouraged to search for it. The child who finds it is usually given a small prize or reward. As kids tend to be kids, many families have now opted to gift all the children a small gift, coined "afikomen gifts."
The afikomen is an important part of the Passover seder, as it represents the Passover sacrifice that was offered in the Temple in Jerusalem during ancient times. It also represents the matzah that the Israelites ate as they fled from Egypt, as they did not have time to wait for their bread to rise.
1. Passover-themed books
Reading is a great way to engage children and help them learn more about the holiday of Passover. Consider giving your child a book about the story of Passover, or a fun and silly book about the holiday. Some great options include "The Matzah that Papa Brought Home" by Fran Manushkin, "The Passover Lamb" by Linda Elovitz Marshall, or "A Sweet Passover" by Lesléa Newman.
Crafts are a great way to engage children and help them explore their creativity. Consider giving your child a Passover craft kit, such as a set to make their own matzah cover, or a set to make their own puppets for the 10 plagues. You can also consider giving your child a Passover-themed coloring book, or a set of Passover stickers to decorate their own seder plate.
3. Passover games
Games are a great way to engage children and help them learn more about the holiday of Passover. Consider giving your child a Passover-themed board game, such as "The Game of Four," which is a game of strategy and luck that is played with matzah pieces. You can also consider giving your child a Passover-themed puzzle, or a set of Passover-themed memory cards.
4. Passover treats
Passover treats are a great way to engage children and help them celebrate the holiday of Passover. Consider giving your child a Passover-themed candy or chocolate bar, such as a chocolate seder plate or a bag of Passover gummies. You can also consider giving your child a Passover-themed cookie cutter set, so they can make their own matzah-shaped cookies! Here's the recipe if you want to make it yourself, and it's worth it!
Activities are a great way to engage children and help them learn more about the holiday of Passover. Consider giving your child a Passover activity book, such as a set of Passover-themed word searches, crossword puzzles, and coloring pages. You can also consider giving your child a Passover-themed scavenger hunt, where they have to find items around the house that relate to the story of Passover.
6. Afikomen Gifts
As mentioned before, kids tend to be kids, and that included wanting gifts. Many families have now opted to gift all the children a small gift, coined "afikomen gifts." For under $15, Alefbet.com has listed some lovely pieces of jewelry and fun trinkets. Of course, you don't have to be kid to enjoy them (or receive)!
A time for family and laughter, to create memories and cherish being together. For once we were slaves and now we are free.
From our family to yours, Happy Passover!