by Fran Manushkin

reading leve grade 2, read aloud grade 1

In this book, following the pattern of the story of “This is House That Jack Built”, the exciting traditions of Passover are revealed; beginning from the matzah being brought from the store to going to bed thinking about the children of Israel. Ned Bittinger’s illustrations are energetic and evocative and Fran Manushkin has provided us with an excellent book to use when introducing Passover to children.

The food served during Passover is, as in many cultures, very symbolic. Prepare a Passover breakfast with your class.

MATZO BREI (Serves 1-2). what you need:

• 2 matzot (plural of matzah)
• 2-3 eggs
• salt and pepper, to taste
• oil or margarine
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese, well drained (optional)

What to do:

• Break matzot into medium-sized pieces and place in colander or strainer. Pour boiling water over them and drain quickly (they should be slightly limp, not soggy).
• Mix together matzot, eggs and seasoning in a bowl. (You can add cottage cheese at this point.)
• Heat the margarine or oil in a frying pan, and pour in the mixture. You can either heat one side until brown, then flip over, like an omelette or heat while continually stirring, like scrambled eggs.
• Often served with honey or jam.

Symbolism:

• Matzah = when the Jewish people were released from Pharoah’s enslavement, he told them to leave that night, so there was no time to add yeast to their bread and wait for it to rise. They escaped Egypt with a bread that was flat and unleavened.
• Roasted egg = Symbol of life and the Jewish people renewing their lives in a new nation.

For more information on passover, check out http://www.passover.org