How Passover Is Celebrated Today: Traditions, Meaning, and Teaching Ideas

Written by Dianna Wiebe on April 04, 2025.

Passover, one of the most popular of the biblical feasts. It is still celebrated today by Jewish communities and many Christians who seek to understand the biblical roots of their faith. This special holiday commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from bondage in Egypt and offers meaningful lessons for families and students.

In this blog, we’ll explore how Passover is celebrated today, the traditions that make it special, its biblical meaning, and ways to teach it to kids and students.

The Meaning of Passover

Passover, or Pesach, is a biblical festival established in Exodus 12. It marks the moment when God spared the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt—the death of the firstborn—by instructing them to put lamb’s blood on their doorposts. This act of obedience led to their freedom from slavery and the beginning of their journey toward the Promised Land.

For Christians, Passover also holds deep significance as Jesus celebrated this feast with His disciples at the Last Supper, pointing to His ultimate sacrifice as the Lamb of God (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7).

Passover Traditions Today

Today, Jewish families around the world celebrate Passover through a special meal called the Seder, which includes specific foods and readings from the Haggadah (the Passover story and prayers). Some Christian families also observe Passover to deepen their connection to Jesus our Passover lamb and strengthen our understanding of the Old Testament.

Key elements of the Seder meal include:

Matzah (Unleavened Bread): Represents the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, not having time for their bread to rise.
Maror (Bitter Herbs): A reminder of the bitterness of slavery.
Charoset: A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, and honey symbolizing the mortar used by Hebrew slaves.
Lamb (or Shank Bone): Represents the Passover lamb sacrificed in Egypt.
Four Cups of Wine (or Grape Juice): Representing the four promises of redemption in Exodus 6:6-7.

Many families also engage in traditions such as:

Searching for the Afikomen (a piece of hidden matzah for children to find)
Singing songs like Dayenu
Telling the story of the Exodus in a way that engages all generations

How to Teach Passover to Kids and Students

Passover is a great way to teach children about God’s faithfulness, redemption, and the importance of remembering biblical history. Here are some engaging ways to bring the lesson to life:

1. Use a Timeline

Create a Passover timeline to help kids understand the key events, from Joseph’s time in Egypt to the Exodus.
For older students, include how Jesus’ Last Supper connects to Passover Seder.

2. Hands-on Activities

Make Matzah: A simple, unleavened bread recipe can help kids understand why the Israelites had to leave quickly.
Seder Plate Craft: Let children assemble their own seder plates using paper plates and craft supplies.
Storytelling with Visuals: Use stick figures or printable worksheets to retell the Exodus story.

3. Family Table Talks

Encourage parents to discuss questions like:
- Why did God command the Israelites to celebrate Passover every year?
- What does Passover teach us about God’s promises?
- How does Passover connect to Jesus?
- What do we learn about God from the Passover?

4. Memory Verses

Exodus 12:14 – “This day shall be to you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 5:7 – “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Bringing Passover into Your Bible Lessons

Whether you are teaching at home, in a church, or in a Christian school, Passover is a great opportunity to help kids and students connect the Old and New Testaments. Here’s how:

Interactive Bible Study: Have students compare Exodus 12 with the Last Supper accounts in the Gospels.
Discussion Questions: Ask students why they think God commanded His people to remember the Exodus and how it relates to their faith today.
Creative Retelling: Let students act out the story of the Exodus or draw scenes from the Passover night.

Final Thoughts

Passover is more than an ancient tradition—it’s a reminder of God’s deliverance and faithfulness. Whether you celebrate it with a full Seder meal or simply teach your children about its meaning, this biblical feast offers powerful lessons for faith and family.

By exploring Passover traditions, understanding its significance, and using engaging teaching ideas, you can help children and students see how God’s story of redemption continues to impact us today.