Passover is all about transmitting the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim, the Exodus from Egypt, to the next generation by including kids in the Seder. That can be easier said than done with children who are old enough to participate but not thrilled about sitting at the table minus toys or nosh for so long. Yael Buechler, founder of Midrash Manicures, creative Jewish holiday-themed accessories, has created Seder Game placemats to guide children through the Seder in an informative yet entertaining way.
“I always wanted to create a simple way for kids to track the progress of the Seder,” Buechler said in an interview. “My kids love playing board games, especially on Shabbat, so I envisioned some sort of game where each step of the Seder was a different piece of the board.” Buechler created the game with their feedback. “My kids had many opinions about which items to use to represent the Seder steps including a magnifying glass for searching for the afikomen in Tzafun, and four question marks for the Ma Nishtana.” The final product is a well-designed, soft, retro-themed placemat with a chic aesthetic.
Since the placemats were introduced last month, parents have been messaging Buechler about how excited they are to use them at their Seders. Some families are ordering placemats for each child and others are getting one to use as a table centerpiece. Buechler advises families to conduct a trial run in advance using a figurine, game piece, or even a sprig of parsley to move along the board while singing the steps of the Seder in “Kadesh Urchatz.”
Inspired by her love of Jewish holidays and pop culture, Buechler has also added to her line of themed afikomen bags. This year’s design ties into the hit musical “Wicked,” and joins last year’s Barbie bag. There is also the ever-popular jelly fruit slices bag.
Matza Pajamas have become a Midrash Manicures Passover tradition. New fans discover Buechler’s Passover PJs every year, and devotees keep adding and replacing sets as their families grow. “They are comfy and cozy and make bedtime, especially after a long Seder, much smoother,” Buechler said. The inspiration to create PJs came from her youngest son, who, at just 2 years old, dreamed up the idea of matzah-themed sleepwear. Now turning 7, he remains the brand’s enthusiastic mascot.
The Ten Plagues Nail Decals set was one of Buechler’s first items and still one of her most popular each year. With symbols of the ten plagues alongside Seder staples like matza and the Seder plate, the decals are visual guides to the story with a fun twist.
With just over a week until the Seders, there’s still time to order. Midrash Manicures ships orders same-day via UPS, with many deliveries reaching customers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut within one to two days. Buechler is offering Jewish Link readers a special 20% off coupon code (JLINK) at www.MidrashManicures.com.
