Since the idea of the Seder is to get children interested and involved, the Ten Plagues is a good opportunity to add an experiential, dramatic element to the evening. Plan ahead with some props and you'll see how much fun the Seder can be -- for children and adults alike.
Here are some suggestions for the Ten Plagues:
1) BLOOD -- Prepare a large, clear pitcher -- empty except for some red food coloring inconspicuously at the bottom. At the appropriate moment, pour in some water -- and watch the water magically turn to "blood!" (One technical point: Don't do the opposite and pour the food coloring into the water, as that would be a problem of "coloring" which is forbidden on Jewish holidays.) And if you're really brave, drink a little of the water, to re-enact the Midrash which says that even during the plague of blood, the Jews could still drink and have it taste like "water!"
2) FROGS -- Have everyone get out of their chairs and hop around the room, croaking like frogs. It's a good opportunity to stretch before the next part of the Seder.
3) LICE -- Go to your local toy store and buy a bunch of plastic bugs. At the appropriate moment, toss them onto the lap of the person next to you. Oriental Trading Company is a good source for plastic insects, and for other animal-based plagues!
4) WILD ANIMALS -- My personal favorite. Toy stores are filled with all kinds of plastic lions, snakes, elephants and bears. Plus you can put on a tiger mask or even a full gorilla costume to really get everyone in the spirit.
5) PESTILENCE -- This is the plague where all the animals died of disease. If you can impersonate a dead animal, go right ahead...
6) BOILS -- The Egyptians were covered with open sores which caused them unbearable itching! Have everyone at your Seder table break out into an uncontrollable fit of itching.
7) HAIL -- - Marshmallows (kosher for Passover!) work best for this. Foam balls and cotton balls work, too. If you're more adventurous, use ping-pong balls.
8) LOCUSTS -- What do grasshoppers do? They hop. It's good exercise before the festive meal.
9) DARKNESS -- Since the laws of Yom Tov forbid the use of electricity, don't turn off your lights. I know somebody once who tried to be very clever and put his lights on a "timer," set to go off during the plague of darkness. He misjudged, and they wound up eating most of the meal in the dark. A better alternative is to have everyone put on a blindfold and try walking around the room for two minutes!
Another idea: The Midrash says that during the plague of darkness in Egypt, the Jews searched the Egyptians' homes for valuables, which they were later given as “payment” for the many years of hard labor. So try hiding costume jewelry around the room, and turn it into a treasure hunt.
10) FIRST BORN -- We don't recommend you try this at home. We certainly would have preferred that the Egyptians would have acknowledged God's sovereignty, and been spared this terrible punishment.
Another idea: Buy an aqua-colored mylar "curtain" from a party store, and have everyone pass through the splitting of the sea, decorated with a sign that says: "You are now leaving Egypt."
The point here is to be creative. Give each child a brown paper bag filled with props. Have fun!
(12) No Name Please, April 7, 2020 3:11 PM
Its super creative and helpful, but we didn't really undersatnd number 10. Also its COVID19 right now, so connect that with first born.
(11) Lauren Deutsch, March 12, 2013 8:04 AM
Makes me want to see the film "10 Commandments" again and see the Red Sea part at Universal studios.
oy vey!
(10) Marilee, February 28, 2012 3:18 AM
plagues
I bought dollar glasses and glued felt on the inside. They felt the darkness. I also made shimery material of red and blue. I put colorful stickers of fish on the blue side and the back side looks like a dead fish. I sew around the edges and it looks like the waters when they turned to blood and the fish died. I also took very small containers with lids and put in very small rice to represent the lice. I used the little swords for cocktails for the 10th plague. Have fun creating a plague bag for the children.
(9) Anonymous, November 1, 2011 7:03 PM
plague suggestions
For lice - we used brown rice. Kid's had a blast with it. Also for boils we used the "dot" candies that are on paper. Red ones, and we licked them and stuck them on the kids faces to represent the boils - then they had the candy. blood was caro syrup with red dye - made in advance - looked like real stage blood. Anyway, plagues are a good way to encourage the kids to participate.
Anonymous, April 9, 2019 8:00 AM
some people don't have rice on Pesach though.
(8) Leonie resiberg, March 13, 2011 9:35 PM
This is great as I was looking for creative ideas as this is the first time we are histing passover. Thanks
(7) Anonymous, August 28, 2010 12:49 AM
hey
hey i like it because it tells you lots of information
(6) jew foo, April 9, 2009 4:01 PM
thanks for the ideas i like i t. i think iknow of a couple wild beasts a home. have happy pasach
(5) BARBARA, April 6, 2009 1:30 AM
Plagues
WOW THE DARKNESS STORY WAS GREAT, I BET THAT REALLY HAPPENED AS A MISJUDGEMENT!
(4) Linda, March 31, 2009 4:06 PM
Great Site
I'm so impressed with your site and all the fun things to do during Seder for the children. We will have 12 adults and 7 children (ages 7 - 2 years)this year. I'm using many of your ideas. Thanks so much, Linda Karp
(3) Penny Tyler, March 17, 2009 11:51 AM
Passover games
Hi..loved the pictures for the coloring pages for kids....thank you...We have been celebrating Passover as a teaching tool for about 24 yrs. We came up with some great games to play while the mamas are getting the Passover dinner on, usually a potluck with a Jewish theme, if anyone would be interested email me...games like Tug of war over the Nile River of blood complete with dead fish.... Throwing giant plastic frogs into bread bowls and baskets...etc.. Relay races with Giant plastic locusts on each team members head....etc... Blessings and shalom
Arlene Ogurick, March 19, 2013 9:21 PM
Passover games
would love to info receive your games. Thank you - Arlene
laura, March 31, 2014 9:12 PM
your ideas for Passover games..my children r teen age yrs
Please send when u have time...shalom
(2) Marilyn, April 5, 2008 5:10 PM
Thank you for great suggestions!
Last year, after years of long and boring seders, we implemented these and other ideas from the Aish site. Suddenly, the kids were engaged and interested! I also peppered the stories with "errors" and whoever shouted "error" at the right time got a prize. I think it was the first Seder anyone has ever listened to! Thanks for all the great suggestions!
(1) Andrea East, February 19, 2004 12:00 AM
hi this is excellent web site
hi i would just like to say i am amazed by this web page. it has fun games activities and it is easy to get around. i hope you make more pages like this