Celebrate the Passover seder by diving into the story and passing on the tradition to future generations. Take the opportunity to weave Holocaust remembrance into the storytelling, and inspire curiosity and a sense of responsibility.

Ideas for Incorporating Holocaust Memory into Your Seder

At every Passover Seder, we ask four questions. This year, as descendants of Holocaust survivors, we ask four more.

1

  • Why is this generation different, when we carry both the story of Exodus and the stories of those who survived the Holocaust?

  • Why do we tell these stories again and again, even when they are difficult to hear?

  • Why do we see ourselves not only as those who left Egypt but as those entrusted to carry memory forward?

  • Why, in remembering, are we called not only to reflect but to stand up to hatred in our own time?

2

At the Four Questions [Ma Nishtana], consider including another:

  • What Makes This Generation Unique?

  • How do we carry the narratives of both the Exodus and the Holocaust?

Please invite one or two individuals to share their thoughts.

Add a "Fifth Question"

3

During Maggid (Telling the Story) When you reach a significant line such as, "We were slaves...", take a moment to share:

  • A brief story about your grandparent

  • A moment highlighting survival, resilience, or the process of rebuilding.

Pair Exodus with a Family Story

4

"In every generation, we are called to tell the story..." Consider including a brief reading (1-2 minutes) that features:

  • A quote from a survivor

  • An excerpt from a diary

  • A reflection from a descendant

Introduce a "Holocaust Text" into the Haggadah

5

Light a Candle of Memory

  • "We remember the six million-and the stories we carry forward."

  • A sixth candle (alongside festival candles), or

  • A moment before Maggid

6

Keep it subtle-like maror, it symbolizes rather than recreates suffering

  • A small candle or matchstick → memory

  • A name card → a family member

  • A potato → used in camps (survival)

  • Extra salt water → tears across generations

Add a Symbol to the Seder Plate

7

Connect Memory to Action

"Because we remember, we act."

  • How do we stand up to hatred today?

  • How does memory shape our behavior, not just recall the past

8

Create a "Next Generation" Moment

At the end (before Next Year in Jerusalem) Invite a younger person to:

  • Share what they heard

  • Reflect on what they will carry forward

9

Invite Participation and Sharing

Go around the table

  • What does memory ask of you?

  • What story do you carry?

10

Memory to Action

Memory can shape who we are, not only to reflect on the past. Because we carry memory, we act.

  • How do we stand up to hatred?

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