Title: The Special Bread of Passover
Objective: To help the children understand the significance of unleavened bread in the Jewish tradition and its connection to the Catholic faith.
Introduction:
Today, we’re going to learn about a special kind of bread called unleavened bread. This bread has a very important role in a story from the Bible, and it is connected to a special celebration called Passover.
What is Unleavened Bread?
Unleavened bread is bread made without yeast. Yeast is an ingredient that makes bread rise and become fluffy. Unleavened bread is flat and simple. It is often used during Passover, a Jewish celebration that remembers the time when God saved His people from Egypt.
The Story of Passover:
A long time ago, the Jewish people were living in Egypt, and they were treated very badly by the Pharaoh, who was their king. God wanted to free them, so He sent Moses to help. God told Moses that He would send ten plagues to convince Pharaoh to let the people go.
The last plague was very serious, and God told the Jewish people to prepare for it by having a special meal. They were to eat lamb and unleavened bread. God instructed them to spread the blood of the lamb on their doorposts, and when the angel of death came, He would “pass over” their homes and keep them safe. This is why the holiday is called Passover.
Why is Unleavened Bread Important?
Unleavened bread is important because it reminds us of the urgency of God’s message. The Jewish people had to leave Egypt quickly, and there wasn’t enough time for the bread to rise. So, they made flat bread instead.
In Jewish tradition, unleavened bread is a symbol of freedom and God’s protection. During Passover, families eat this bread to remember what God did for them.
Connection to Our Faith:
As Catholics, we also have a special bread that is very important to us—this is the Eucharist or Holy Communion. During Mass, we celebrate that Jesus gave us His body and blood under the appearance of bread and wine. Just like the unleavened bread of Passover, the bread we receive at Mass reminds us of God’s love and sacrifice for us, especially at the Last Supper, when Jesus used bread to show that He would give Himself for us.
Activity:
Let’s make our own unleavened bread! It’s very simple. All you need is flour, water, and a little salt. Mix them together to make a dough, then roll it flat and cook it on a pan until it’s lightly browned. As we make it, we can talk about the story of Passover and what it means to us today.
Conclusion:
So, remember, unleavened bread is not just a food; it tells a wonderful story about God’s love and the freedom He gives us. As we celebrate our faith, let’s also remember the special meaning of this bread and how it connects us to our Jewish friends and to Jesus.
Let’s end with a prayer, thanking God for His love and for the gift of Jesus. Amen.
