Let’s Go Free with Miri and Tzvi: a Passover Haggadah
By Devorah Benedict
Feldheim
Every year Pesach comes and I get heart palpitations. Not just because of the load of cleaning before me, but because being a mother of two young girls means being ready for Pesach is a task in creativity. What is the best way to learn about Pesach together before Yom Tov? I want them to learn at home and not just in school. How will I keep children entertained for the entirety of the Seder? I found a great solution in the new Let’s Go Free with Miri and Tzvi Haggadah by author Devorah Benedict, which is educational, interactive and entertaining for children of all ages.
On every level, this book is a great find for Passover. This Haggadah is perfect for both boys and girls, as the central characters are a young boy and girl, helping children feel connected and included. I was happy to see that both Miri and Tzvi were presented modestly and equally. Fun activities are intertwined into every page which will help keep kids active and involved. As the book starts, we are introduced to the Chameleon, a cartoon lizard that is hiding in each illustration throughout the book. Children really get excited about finding the chameleon, as I have already experienced in my own home. Even I was searching for the chameleon on every page.
The attractive, full color illustrations are wonderfully age appropriate. Often I open Haggadot and find depictions of the Makos or slavery that I find troubling for a young audience. Slavery wasn’t fun, but I don’t want to scare younger readers. Here, the words are well chosen: “The Egyptians turn Bnei Yisrael into their slaves…they treat them cruelly, hit them and abuse them, and never let them rest.” The images match the words, and are colorful and well-drawn. Within each picture, humorous caption bubbles appear. I particularly enjoyed the depiction of the Makah of boils, where two young Jewish boys are comparing packing lists for their exodus while the Egyptians around them are trying to alleviate the itchiness – a very cute way to show how Bnei Israel were spared the plague.
Another feature that really made this Haggadah special for me was the appendix at the end of the book for parents and educators. It explains the various sources from Torah and Midrash used throughout the book.
With Pesach just a couple weeks away, I am already thinking about how to get my children excited about the Seder. This Haggadah will be a great way of learning and reviewing about Passover even before Yom Tov, and also keep them entertained during the Seder. The kids love it, and thus parents will as well. This Pesach, Miri and Tzvi will be our favorite holiday guests.