How to Celebrate Passover with Children in Foster Care

Passover is a meaningful time for Jewish families, filled with tradition, storytelling, and togetherness. If you are fostering a child who observes Passover or if you want to learn how to celebrate Passover with children in foster care, this guide will help you understand the holiday and find ways to make it special for them. Honoring their traditions and creating a welcoming environment can help them feel connected and supported.

What is Passover?

Passover, or Pesach, is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. It lasts for eight days and is observed with special meals, prayers, and traditions. In 2025, Passover will begin on the evening of April 12 and end on April 20.

One of the most important parts of Passover is the Seder, a ritual meal that tells the story of the Exodus. Families read from the Haggadah, eat symbolic foods, and ask the Four Questions, which help explain the holiday’s meaning. Another key tradition is avoiding chametz, or leavened bread, and eating matzah instead, representing the Israelites’ hurried escape from Egypt.

How to Support a Foster Child During Passover

If you are caring for a child who observes Passover, here are some ways to support them:

1. Learn About Passover Together

If you’re unfamiliar with Passover, take some time to learn about it with your foster child. Reading books, watching videos, or asking them to share their own experiences can help them feel valued. This also shows your willingness to respect and embrace their traditions.

2. Join in the Seder Celebration

The Seder is one of the most important parts of Passover. If your foster child wants to participate, try to attend a community Seder or host one at home. If hosting, use a Haggadah (a book that guides the Seder), prepare a Seder plate with symbolic foods, and encourage your foster child to take part in the traditions.

3. Follow Passover Dietary Customs

During Passover, Jewish families avoid leavened bread and certain grains. If your foster child follows these customs, consider adjusting meal plans to include matzah, fruits, vegetables, and kosher-for-Passover meals. Being mindful of their dietary restrictions shows respect for their beliefs.

4. Create a Chametz-Free Space

Some Jewish families clean their homes to remove chametz before Passover begins. You can help your foster child by creating a space where they feel comfortable keeping Passover traditions, such as setting aside a chametz-free area in the kitchen.

5. Encourage Reflection and Storytelling

Passover is about remembering the past and celebrating freedom. Encourage your foster child to share their thoughts on what freedom and belonging mean to them. This can help them feel heard and valued, reinforcing their sense of identity and connection.

The Power of Community and Respect for Foster Kids

Passover is not just about traditions; it is about community and remembrance. Celebrating Passover with children in foster care shows them they are supported and respected. When caregivers acknowledge and honor a child’s traditions, it strengthens their sense of belonging.

By learning how to celebrate Passover with your foster children, you are creating a safe, inclusive space where they can observe their faith while feeling at home. These small actions can make a lasting impact, showing them they are loved, valued, and understood.

Find other resources for foster parents in our other blogs here: https://fosterlove.com/category/resources/