Word Games for the Seder

In each and every generation, a person is obligated to see themselves as if they went free from Egypt

This is one of the reasons that we are supposed to notice, ask questions, and discuss during the Seder. We have to not only see ourselves in the story, but experience it as well. And why not have some fun as we do just that?

We invite you to use these cards to play with family and friends during the Seder—or any other time during the holiday—as you learn about important ideas, symbols, and people connected to Pesah.

 

Prepare in Advance:

Cut out these cards before Pesah (or just read them from the page). Add your own original ideas on the blank cards provided.

How to Play:

You can use these cards in several different ways, depending on which of the Four Children makes sense for you:

  • For the WISE ones:
    Play by all the rules! Divide into teams and use the cards as a taboo-style game where each team gets one minute to correctly identify as many words as possible. The first player selects a card and gives their teammates clues without saying any of the forbidden words. The player continues with additional cards until the time is up, and the team counts their points. Then it is the next team’s turn. Play as many rounds as you like, or until the cards run out. The team with the most points wins.

  • For the REBELLIOUS ones:
    Use the blank cards to create your own guessing words to add to the game, or make up a brand new game with the cards.

  • For the SIMPLE ones:
    Play the game as described above, but choose only two or three of words listed to be the forbidden words. 

  • For the ones who DON’T KNOW how to ask:
    Use the cards like a cooperative game of charades. A grownup can whisper the word to a child who will act it out for everyone else to guess, or children can act out words that the grownups must guess. Everyone wins!


haggadah Section: Introduction
Source: hadar.org