Once in a while, we come across a guest Expert who has something impactful to contribute to the Savvy Auntie Community. Last year, Jewish Treats, a popular daily email and blog, offered us some wonderful Passover traditions to share with our nieces and nephews. This year, we are happy to share some of their essential tips for savvy Seder survival.

As a Jewish Savvy Auntie, you’ll want to help enliven your nieces and nephews’ Seder experience. Seder night can be a long experience, but with a few tricks up your sleeve, you can make the evening fun for everyone.

Maintaining a child-friendly Seder takes fore-thought and concentration. Here are some fun ways to make the Seder nights more memorable!

Sweet Treats: Bring a box of kosher-for-Passover chocolates and give them out to nieces and nephews when their attention starts to drift.

Bag-of-Plagues: Find a "bag-of-plagues" at Judaica stores or online, or better yet, make your own, to liven up the recitation of the Ten Plagues.

Q&A: The four questions (Ma Nishtana) are famous because kids are generally asked to recite them (an event that builds fond memories). Questions (and answers) are a critical element of the entire Seder process, so take a lead role and prepare questions for your nieces and nephews to answer throughout the seder. For instance, when the Haggadah talks about how we are now free (as opposed to being slaves) ask a tween niece or nephew why they think freedom is important, then and now.

Role Play: Consider giving your nieces and nephews each a role to play during the Seder, or a theme to 'own.' If a niece's theme is 'matzah' she should read the parts of the Haggadah referring to matzah. That way, she's focused on the reading.

Passover Presents: Don't forget the Afikoman presents! The child who finds the Afikoman after the Passover feast is done is usually given a gift. You may want to have one for all the children so no one feels badly if they were not the winner.

Making the Seder a memorable night not only reminds the children of how cool an aunt you are, but, most importantly, it energizes their love of being Jewish! Happy Passover!

For more Passover Seder tips, follow @JewishTweets on twitter, and check out the following resources:

Guide to Preparing a Passover Seder
Passover Seder 101 Web Series
The Best Seder in the USA (The Passover Song), as featured on The Today Show

Published: April 15, 2011