User Guide

Starting a Tradition – Just Like in the Old Days

On Seder night, there is a beautiful and ancient tradition among Iraqi Jews that brings the Exodus to life for children in a playful, experiential way. When the family reaches the “Yachatz” section of the Haggadah, they break the middle matzah in two – and tie the Afikoman piece into a cloth, which is placed on the children's backs. The kids run out of the house, giggling and hiding, while the rest of the family continues the meal and conversation around the table – until suddenly, loud knocks are heard at the door!

“Who could that be at this hour?” they ask.
“We are the Children of Israel!” reply the kids outside the door.
“Where are you coming from?” – “From Egypt!”
“Where are you going?” – “To Jerusalem!”
“What is your provision?” – “Matzah!”
And when they all begin to sing “Ma Nishtana” together, there’s no doubt: these are the real Israelites.

This marvelous tradition is widespread in Jewish communities from Iraq, Yemen, Persia, and North Africa. It’s even documented in the writings of Rabbi David Abudraham in medieval Spain.

Haggadah on the Map – In the Same Spirit

Just like that age-old tradition, Haggadah on the Map was created to make the story of the Exodus tangible, vivid, and alive. It helps us feel the journey – to see it spread before our eyes, to ask about it, and to connect everyone around the table to it.

🔹 You don’t need to know everything
🔹 You don’t need to cover every location
🔹 One place that sparks a question, one curious thought, one child’s smile – and we’ve left Egypt.

We recommend going over the map in advance – parents and children together – and choosing stations that spark interest, emotion, or curiosity.

How to Use the Map During the Seder

📌 Preparation:

Print the map on A3 paper (or display it on a tablet or screen).
Explore it with the kids before the Seder. Everyone can pick a location that speaks to them.

🎲 Suggested Activities – Interactive Experiences with the Map

🎯 Haggadah Bingo

Hand out bingo cards with place names from the map.
As the Seder progresses, participants mark locations as they’re mentioned.
First to complete a row shouts “Chad Gadya!” and wins a small prize 🏆

🗺️ GPS Trivia

Each participant gets a note with a location (e.g., Mount Sinai, Goshen, Red Sea).
When the location is mentioned, they say: “I found it!” – place it on the map and explain what happened there.
Continue reading the Haggadah only once all places are marked in the right order.

🧠 Family Reflection Exercise

Each person picks a location that represents a personal moment – fear, freedom, a fresh start.
Share: Why did I choose that place?

Discussion Questions – Especially for Kids

📍 On the Map:

Which place on the map looks most interesting to you? Why?
Can you see where the Israelites started their journey? And where they ended?
If you had to sleep one night in the desert, where would it be?

🚶 On the Journey:

How do you think the children felt walking with their parents in the desert?
What would you pack if you were leaving Egypt?
How long do you think it takes to walk from Egypt to Israel?

🍞 On the Matzah:

Why do we eat matzah and not regular bread at the Seder?
Do you think you’d enjoy eating matzah for 40 years?

🎒 On Freedom:

What does freedom mean to you?
When do you feel free?
What would you do if you were a slave and suddenly became free?

🎨 On Imagination:

How do you imagine the Red Sea looked when it split?
If you could add a special place to the map – what would it be?

Discussion Questions – For Adults

If you could visit one stop along the Exodus journey, which would it be and why?
Is the journey from Egypt to Jerusalem only geographic – or also personal/national/emotional?
What is freedom to you? Can someone feel free even if they’re not physically enslaved?
Laban wanted to uproot everything. Pharaoh only decreed on the boys. Who was more dangerous to the people of Israel?
Why do you think there are so many versions for the location of Mount Sinai? Is it important to know where it really was?
If you were walking in the desert for 40 years, what would you want your manna to be?
Is there a “modern-day Egypt”? A situation or place that limits your freedom?
What family or communal tradition are you most proud of? Does it help you feel part of the story?
What promise do you feel has sustained your people, your family, or yourself over the years?
If you could send one message from the Exodus story to the next generation – what would it be?
Choose one place on the map that seems intriguing. What would you like to learn more about it?
Which of the Four Questions asked by the children makes you think the most?
Share a personal journey – emotional or physical – that reminds you of the Exodus.
What is a hope or dream you’re taking with you from this Seder into the coming year?

Ask in order, shuffle randomly, or assign to participants for open conversation.