The Third Grade Passover Seder

The WC Westview and Powell Elementary schools held a special ceremony at the HS AC Auditorium on Friday April 5, 2010, for the purpose of understanding the routines of the Jewish Seder Feast.

Third graders from both branches who were engaged in this event have been informed of the importance of the special Passover Supper that is recounted in the Bible. Understanding the reason for this celebration is an important piece of these children’s Christian education.

Westview Elementary School teacher Judy Bechtel attended this function and was delighted by the reason behind it. “It is a great experience for these kids to get to be a part of something this serious. It is supposed to be a traditional celebration and that it was!”

Though the Jewish traditions were the focal point of the ceremony, the larger percentage of the children and parents were, unsurprisingly, non-Jewish. Nevertheless, they easily adapted to the atmosphere. The components of this ceremony reflect those that the Jewish disciples and Jesus Christ practiced.

Granted this opportunity to be associated with the intricate ceremonies of the Jewish people, the third grade class of WC had an interesting outlook on the celebration. The food that they ate was that of the original Passover Supper.

Although the Seder meal was distasteful to a majority of the class, some children with Jewish backgrounds had a far less difficult time accommodating to the flow of the ceremony than the non-Jewish attendants did.

“One thing we tasted as a symbol was the bitter herbs that reminded the Israelites of the bitterness of slavery,” third grade Powell Elementary school teacher Mary Myers shared. “Also, there was a door drawn on the plate on which the students dipped a parsley branch into grape juice and put it on the doorposts. After we did our symbolism part, then we had a feast! It was great.”

The food produced mixed reviews. In addition to the Seder meal, the feast also included traditional American dishes. Third grader Michael King said “It was fun; I liked the mashed potatoes and chicken!” Though some of the guests thought the cuisine bitter, others, apparently, appreciated it.

Parent David Forbes said, “I was glad to accompany my son to this formality. It was a wonderful time.” The parents highly commended the opportunity to be a part of such an event with their children.

“I liked that we got to be like Jesus in the Passover picture,” said Caroline Mousa. Being like Christ seems a primary reason for participating in the Passover. Our Savior is the reason why we are here and it is laudable that young children can experience a different way to show their love for God.

“I like the Passover Seder because we got to learn all about it and what the Blood of the Lamb on the door means,” third grade Westview Elementary student David Forbes stated. The Seder Feast has made a positive impact on the lives and mindsets of the 3rd grade WC children and parents.

[Photos courtesy of Mrs. Holly Varian]