Alef Bet Montessori School

Baking Matzah: A Hands-On Montessori Pesach Experience

Or Shteinmetz • April 2, 2025

In the days leading up to Pesach (Passover), our children stepped into history, reliving the journey of Bnei Yisrael as they hurried to leave Mitzrayim. In true Montessori fashion, they engaged in a hands-on experience that connected them to the deeper meaning of the holiday—baking their very own matzah on our school’s tabun (fire pit).




Just like the Israelites had to prepare their dough quickly before their departure, our students mixed flour and water, working swiftly to shape their matzot. They rolled out the dough with care, understanding that there was no time to let it rise. Using forks, they pricked holes into the dough, just as matzah bakers have done for generations to prevent it from rising. Then, with anticipation, they watched as Moreh Or carefully placed each piece onto the heated surface of the tabun, baking them to perfection in mere minutes over the open flame.




This experience was more than just an exciting baking activity. It was a meaningful way to embody the values of Pesach—freedom, resilience, and gratitude. Through hands-on work, the children internalized the story, feeling the urgency and simplicity of matzah-making. As they listened to the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim, they could imagine themselves in the place of Bnei Yisrael, experiencing history through their senses.


As we continue to prepare for Pesach, we carry with us not just the taste of the matzah but the values and experiences that make this holiday so special. By engaging in purposeful, hands-on learning, our children don’t just hear the story of the Exodus—they live it.



By Or Shteinmetz April 2, 2025
Our school gathered to celebrate Leil HaSeder, the special evening of the Passover (Pesach) holiday. This beautiful tradition allows us to retell the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their journey to freedom. More than just recounting history, Leil HaSeder teaches us about resilience, gratitude, and the importance of passing down traditions from generation to generation. The Story Behind the Seder Passover commemorates the miraculous liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The Haggadah, the text read during the Seder, guides us through this story with symbolic foods, songs, and rituals. Each element on the Seder plate represents a different part of the Israelites' journey, helping children and adults alike connect to the past in a meaningful way. Experiencing the Seder Through the Montessori Lens In our Montessori environment, children learn best through hands-on experiences. Our Leil HaSeder celebration provided a multi-sensory approach to understanding the holiday, allowing the children to see, touch, smell, and taste the elements of the Seder plate. Matza – The unleavened bread that reminds us of the Israelites' hurried departure from Egypt. The children explored its texture, noticed its crispness, and tasted its unique flavor. Maror (Bitter Herbs) – Representing the bitterness of slavery, the children smelled and carefully tasted the strong, sharp flavors, helping them connect to the struggles of the past. Haroset – A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, and grape juice, symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelites in their labor. The children enjoyed its contrasting sweetness and grainy texture. Carrot & Lettuce – These vegetables symbolize different aspects of the Israelites' journey, including both hardship and growth. Children engaged in thoughtful conversation about the meaning of these foods. Zeroa (Shank Bone or Roasted Beet) – Traditionally representing the Paschal sacrifice, we used a roasted beet instead of real meat to keep our kosher restrictions. Beitzah (Roasted Egg) Symbolizes mourning for the destruction of the Temple and the cycle of life and renewal. A Joyful and Meaningful Celebration As part of our celebration, we enjoyed a warm bowl of homemade matzah ball soup , a favorite among the children! Sharing this comforting dish brought a sense of togetherness and joy to the meal. We also sang traditional Pesach songs , filling the room with music and happiness. Reading from the Haggadah , the children listened intently to the ancient words that continue to be shared in Jewish homes around the world. Through these experiences, our Montessori students connected deeply with the holiday, engaging all their senses to build a lasting understanding of Passover. By celebrating Leil HaSeder together, we not only honor our traditions but also nurture a love for learning, storytelling, and cultural heritage. We are so grateful for this opportunity to celebrate together and wish all of our families a Chag Pesach Sameach – a happy and meaningful Passover! 
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