Two Plans for Involving Your Guests

Plan One - The Shapiro family tried out the following idea a few years ago. It was terrific! Here’s what I did.

Recalling that Seders are about history and traditions, I called the families who were going to be at our Seder one week ahead of time. This is what I said, “Passover is about stories and memories, and I was wondering if every family doesn’t have certain mementos that pass through time. So, could you please bring to our Seder a family memento of yours? It doesn’t have to be fancy – just something that tells a story.”

Halfway through our Seder when we got to the time for telling the story of our ancestors, we paused to share the mementos people had brought and the results were amazing. Great personal stories. Lots of laughter and beautiful sharing of family histories.

Try this. Your friends and relatives will surprise you with what they value and the story they tell you.

Plan Two - Before, during, and after the Seder, have the people present sign the inside cover of the leader’s Haggadah. If you do this annually over a number of years, you will develop a wonderful record of your family and friends. (The Shapiro family has been doing this for more than 15 years!!!! The inside of my Haggadah presents a beautiful history of all those who have been at our seders.)