Cooking, eating, debating and explaining to the kids – it must be Pesach!

Whether you are hosting seder yourself or just shopping, cooking and getting your home ready there is a lot to think about as Pesach approaches. We have some ideas to take the pressure off and put the fun back into the festival.

GLASS FULL

When children help set the table or decorate their own wine glass, they become engaged with the stories, symbols and traditions. A decorated ‘four cups of wine’ seder glass becomes a symbol of their place at the seder table and their connection to the story of Passover. All you need is a wine glass, self-adhesive craft gems and plastic frog stickers or Passover-themed stickers. Make sure the glass is completely dry before sticking on the gems and stickers, pressing them firmly onto the glass so they lie flat. If needed, secure the decorations with a small dot of glass-safe craft glue.

GET COOKING

You’re likely going to default to your tried and tested recipes but if you’re brave enough to try something new Pesach Secrets From Batya’s Kitchen has more than 150 recipes. Batya Kahan is a New York-based chef who has transformed the way families prepare for Shabbat and festivals with her home deliveries and now she has collated her most popular Pesach recipes into a book. Pesach Secrets is a complete Pesach companion — a trusted guide that walks you through every stage of preparation, from planning and shopping to plating, serving, freezing, and reheating. Every dish is reliable and achievable. Amazon.com £30 (US site but it delivers to the UK).

HEALTHY DEBATE

Get one step ahead of the inevitable family discussions round the seder table get ahead with Gary Ogin’s debut book Why I’m Right And You’re Wrong. For many families the Israel-Palestine conflict has been divisive, fuelling inter-generational disagreements and rifts between relatives. This is a layman’s guide to dealing with conflict resolution with quizzes, cartoons and case studies breaking up the research that underwrites the text. “The book can’t guarantee readers will win every argument,” Gary explains, “but it does provide the tools to equip you to state your case, clearly, succinctly and effectively.” The book has coping mechanisms including techniques such as restating the other person’s opinion so that you make it clear that you understand exactly what they are saying. Topics like politics may be triggering and merit fierce debate but, he cautions, try not to let them ruin your relationships. Amazon £20

PASSOVER PARENTING

Books explaining how children and grandchildren can participate in the rituals can awaken their Jewish curiosity to make the festival relevant to them. PJ Library sends out free books for all ages.

My Passover Seder by Claire A. B. Freeland and Aviel Basil is a gentle introduction to the seder rituals for under-twos, with bright illustrations to convey sights and sounds of Passover. The message for parents is subtle but important: Jewish identity is built through exposure and warmth, long before comprehension.

Matzah Day by Charlotte Offsay is a story for three to four-year-olds that captures a child’s excitement of Passover, while telling parents that tradition doesn’t have to be formal to be meaningful.

The Passover Lamb by Linda Elovitz Marshall explores preparation, responsibility and reflection through the perspective of a five/six-year-old.

A Sweet Meeting on Mimouna Night by Allison Ofanansky is aimed at seven to eight-year-olds. At Mimouna, the Moroccan Jewish festival that marks the end of Passover, Miriam wants to help her mother make sweet moufletot pancakes they always eat at their Mimouna party, but following Passover, they don’t have any flour in the house. Miriam’s mother takes her to visit their neighbours, who are happy to share.

PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children aged up to eight. pjlibrary.org.uk

PRESENT PERFECT

Lucky enough to be invited to a seder? Gifting is made easy with personalised matzah boxes and matches from @nameyourgifts, which also does cute Magen David napkin holders. There’s also a great new gift shop in Mill Hill – Jackson B (@jackson_b_interiors) sells unique, affordable candles, pop art, lifestyle and wellness products.

EAT OUT TO HELP OUT

Take off some of the load by eating out during Pesach. Sami’s in Edgware, Tony Page in Marylebone, Kasa in Hampstead Garden Suburb, Yofi at the BNJC in Brighton and Celia’s Kitchen in Manchester are all open – check with each establishment for details.

ASK THE REBBETZIN

Dear Rebbetzin

My 82-year-old mother-in-law insists on making the charoset for Seder every year. However, she always adds too much cinnamon – which I hate. Is this an acceptable reason to divorce my husband?

Sasha

Dear Sasha

Cinnamon is an important ingredient of charoset but should only be used in moderation. However, overuse is not sufficient reason for divorce. If she ever adds nutmeg, please contact me.

Dear Rebbetzin

This question is in two parts:

1) As they only have one seder in Israel, do we still need to have two?

2) If we video first night seder and watch the recording on the second night, does that count?

David

Dear David

1) Yes

2) No

Dear Rebbetzin

Each year, halfway through the seder, my family thinks it’s funny to take me away from the table and hide me somewhere. I’ve had enough of it. Please help.

Avi Komen

Dear Avi

I understand your concern. However, just remember, as it is written, it is better to have the family hide you than to hide things from you. If you need further help, I’m happy to put you in contact with my friend Oliver Sholom.

Dear Rebbetzin

I’m always invited to my son for the seder and I make the charoset and I add extra cinnamon. I know my daughter-in-law hates it, yet she still won’t divorce my son. Can you help?

Ruth

Dear Ruth

May I suggest adding nutmeg.

(The Rebbetzin was assisted by comedian Bennett Arron)