We do.
It does seem a little bit unfair to have so much fun with someone else's unhappiness.
The plagues should be the hardest part of the story to tell.
After all, we benefited from a moment that was probably very painful to our enemies.
Then again, there is so much to celebrate, and even as we take drops of wine from our cups, we find a sense of inner peace in even this moment.
How do you feel about plague masks, or plague toys, or plague puppets at your seder?
3 comments:
We have the bag of plagues in my family. I think these tools are example of dealing with tragedy through humor, which we do with all sorts of things we're not comfortable with. I think that the plagues are something we don't feel attached to in a real way, so it makes sense that we use tools of fun as opposed to tools of seriousness. As long as we have other moments in the seder during which we deal with those pieces of history and the present that are difficult and call us to action, then it's ok. Even a good thing.
Great question. I had not really thought about it -- and had used them to keep kids engaged in past years. But my sister in law drew my attention to this just the other day too, and I do think that for young kids, it's hard to separate what's playful and what's serious. I think I may change our approach, actually.
Phyllis, I think you raise an excellent question. While I do not use the masks at my own seder, I have worn a mask at one seder I attended.
I think that the masks are useful a tool for engaging the youngest in thinking about what the plagues were and mean. If we begin there, I think they can serve a valid purpose.
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