Celebrating Passover with the Baby Signs® Program
Help Your Little One Connect to Tradition Through Simple Signs
Passover is a meaningful time for families as they gather to retell the story of freedom, enjoy symbolic foods, and share in generations-old traditions. Whether it’s your child’s first Seder or they’ve already experienced a few, incorporating infant sign language can make the holiday more engaging—and easier for little ones to communicate their needs. Below, you’ll find some key signs to enhance your Passover festivities, along with tips to keep the learning fun and interactive.
Signs for the Passover Table
Cracker
Think of matzo! Even though the sign is “cracker,” it fits perfectly for the iconic unleavened bread served during Passover.
Eat
Use this sign whenever your child is ready to nibble on Passover foods—like vegetables dipped in saltwater or pieces of matzo.
Drink
From the four cups of wine (or grape juice for little ones) to water during the meal, you’ll have plenty of chances to practice “drink.”
Wash
Hand washing is an important tradition during the Seder. Involve your little one by signing “wash” as you help them clean their hands.
Vegetables
During the Seder, vegetables (like parsley) are dipped in salt water. Use this sign to talk about the greens on your Seder plate.
Family
Passover is all about coming together with loved ones. Encourage your baby to use this sign as more relatives arrive for the Seder.
Tips for Teaching Signs During Passover
Model the Signs: Show your baby or toddler the sign whenever you say the word out loud—like “cracker (matzo),” “wash,” or “eat.”
Repetition is Key: Passover traditions provide plenty of opportunities to repeat each sign throughout the evening.
Stay Positive: Offer praise whenever your child attempts a sign, even if it’s not perfect. Enthusiasm keeps them motivated.
Make it Interactive: Encourage older siblings or cousins to use the signs, too. The more your baby sees signing, the quicker they’ll pick it up.
Passover is a time for storytelling, gratitude, and coming together with loved ones. By blending infant sign language into your traditions—whether it’s signing “cracker” for matzo or “wash” before dipping parsley—you give your child a way to participate and express themselves during the festivities. Keep the focus on fun, and watch how these simple signs can spark curiosity, reduce frustration, and bring everyone closer in the spirit of the holiday.
Chag Sameach (Happy Passover) and happy signing!
Want more resources or additional infant sign language tips? Explore our Baby Signs® classes and materials to keep the learning fun and engaging all year long.
