How Hebrew Academy Brings Pesach Learning to Life
Pesach is almost a month away, but you can hear the excitement everywhere at Hebrew Academy. Walk through our campus, and you'll find students singing Mah Nishtanah, creating Pesach puppets, writing and discussing their own Haggadahs, and fully immersing themselves in the traditions and lessons of the holiday.
Even our preschoolers are already deep into the learning—and not in the usual way you'd expect. Instead of simply hearing about Pesach traditions, they are stepping into them, engaging their senses, and making the holiday theirs. While most start with stories and songs and end with a Model Seder, our preschoolers flipped the script. They opened their Pesach learning with a hands-on Model Seder, setting the stage for curiosity, questions, and discovery.
The questions came naturally at their Model Seder: "Why are we dipping in salt water?" wondered one child. "Why are we leaning? What do these symbols mean?" another asked. As they engaged with each step, they weren’t just following along but trying to understand. Their curiosity mirrored what parents tell us year after year—that their children come home eager to share, question, and lead their own learning.
These moments of wonder brought meaning to the songs they had just begun singing—like the Four Questions. The beauty of it? The act of asking questions helps them connect with the tradition of asking at the Seder itself!
But it’s more than just a moment—this reflects how we approach learning at Hebrew Academy and make education meaningful beyond traditional methods for our students. Encouraging curiosity, exploration, and discussion builds a foundation for lifelong learning, helping students develop critical thinking skills, confidence in their ability to question, and a deeper understanding that applies across all areas of education, both in and beyond the classroom.
Whether in Judaic or general studies, our students aren’t just absorbing information; they are learning to think critically, ask insightful questions, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways—skills that prepare them for lifelong success.
Instead of being told about Pesach, they are living it—experiencing the Seder firsthand, noticing each detail, and instinctively asking why. As they dip, lean, and recite, they aren’t just following along but setting the stage for deeper learning. When they continue to explore the meaning behind each step in the coming weeks, they will already have the questions in mind. That sense of discovery makes the learning process more personal, more engaging, and more lasting. The excitement they feel now fuels a desire to seek answers, turning wonder into real learning—learning that will stay with them far beyond the classroom.
Parents consistently share how this approach transforms their children’s experience—not just for Pesach but across all subjects. "My son in Kindergarten came home singing Pesach songs and telling me about the story and practices of Pesach," shared Loren Pryce, a kindergarten parent after Passover last year. "Sharing about the ten plagues is his favorite. He also always comes home with artwork or special holiday-related items to use at our Pesach Seder."
Last year, Mrs. Ben Hayun reflected on how this immersive learning approach creates a lasting impact: "The knowledge our kids bring to the table during the Seder brings us so much nachat and joy. The school fosters a connection to tradition in a way that stays with them far beyond the classroom."
Families of all backgrounds find their children eager to explain, engage, and actively participate in the Seder experience, bringing new energy and insight to their homes. That happens when learning is alive—not just about teaching but about inspiring curiosity and confidence that extends beyond the classroom.
At Hebrew Academy, that’s how we teach—engaging students in a way that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. We don’t just go through the motions; we create moments that matter—moments that make kids want to know, want to explore, and, most importantly, want to lead.
