Dr. Emily AronoffBuild Connections Through Meaningful Music
Want to get your Seder participants singing together instead of mumbling through the songs? Passover Name That Tune is more than just a game—it’s a musical warm-up that helps loosen up the group, builds confidence, and primes everyone to belt out Dayenu with enthusiasm.
This playful activity sparks curiosity, teamwork, and a bit of friendly competition. Some songs will be instantly recognizable to grandparents, while others will be more familiar to the preschool crowd. This dynamic not only creates a fun puzzle for players but also fosters intergenerational connection and learning. Plus, for first-time Seder participants, there’s an easy way to be involved—they can be designated Score Keeper & Grand Listening Master (or use the simple version with the word bank, they can figure out some of the answers with provided context). Consider sending the playlist in advance so participants can “study” (or at least get hyped for the experience). I like to text my Seder guests a link to the playlist right as they get into their cars to head over, DJing their journey and playfully suggesting that those who do their ‘homework’ will be handsomely rewarded- (because they’ll be ready to dominate this game).
Why Play Passover Name That Tune?
Humans of every age love to play! Whether through games, riddles, or music, play sparks curiosity and engagement. Passover Name That Tune encourages teamwork, puzzle-solving, and lively discussions. Some songs will be instantly recognizable to grandparents, while others will be more familiar to the preschool crowd. This creates an opportunity for different generations to share their knowledge and experiences in a way that makes Passover music more meaningful.
Music has always been an essential part of Jewish tradition, and Passover songs tell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom in a way that words alone cannot. Familiar melodies activate prior knowledge, making it easier to engage with the meaning behind each song. These melodies can also trigger nostalgia, evoking memories from Seders past and creating an emotional connection to the holiday.
This game:
- Brings generations together—kids, parents, and grandparents all have a chance to shine.
- Turns everyone into an active participant—no musical skills needed, just listening ears!
- Makes Jewish music playful and interactive, sparking curiosity and conversation.
- Can be easily customized—adjust the materials to fit your group’s vibe.
- Deepens understanding—seeing “Avadim Hayinu” translated as “we were slaves” connects participants to the meaning behind the music.
- Sharpens listening skills—friendly competition keeps players engaged and focused.
- Encourages shared learning—the Advanced Round invites players to share personal stories and Jewish musical knowledge.
How to Play
Preparation
- Download & print the game board (available for free—sign up below!).
- Cue up the Passover playlist (linked in the game kit).
- Customize it to fit your group! Feel free to modify the game board or add your own favorite Passover songs.
- Set up a web-connected device and a speaker loud enough for everyone to hear the music clearly.
- Send the playlist in advance for an optional “study session” before the Seder!
Gameplay
- Play 20–60 second snippets of selected Passover songs from the playlist.
- Participants write down their guesses, identifying the song title.
- Want to make it more interesting? Award bonus points for identifying the singer or an interesting historical or cultural fact about the song.
Scoring Options
- Award points for each correct answer.
- Add bonus points for knowing the artist, historical significance, or a fun fact.
- Play just for fun—no points needed!
Two Ways to Play: Simple vs. Advanced
Two versions of the game make it easy to adapt for different audiences!
Simple Version (With Word Bank)
- Great for mixed ages or kids (6+).
- Players match what they hear to a provided song bank.
- Requires some Passover knowledge but is designed for easy participation.
- Can be customized—add favorite family songs or modify as needed!
- Helps deepen understanding—seeing Hebrew song titles alongside translations builds connections to meaning.
Advanced Version (For Music Enthusiasts!)
- Designed for those with a larger Jewish song repertoire.
- No word bank—rely on memory and recognition!
- Earn extra points for identifying the artist, historical connections, or fun facts about the song.
- Make it your own—adjust point values or include extra song categories!
- Encourages storytelling—players get to share personal experiences and insights about the songs, creating a shared cultural experience.
Why This Game is Perfect for Your Passover Celebration
Passover is a holiday rich with tradition, and music is what makes it memorable. This game helps:
- Reinforce learning about Passover in a low-pressure way.
- Bridge generations—grandparents, parents, and kids can play together.
- Enhance engagement at Seders, in classrooms, or at family gatherings.
- Spark discussions about Jewish music, tradition, and history.
- Create an inclusive experience where everyone—regardless of musical ability—can participate.
- Adapt to your needs—modify it for different age groups, song preferences, or competitive styles!
- Encourage deeper learning—music becomes a conversation starter about Passover’s themes, stories, and personal connections.
Get Your Free Passover Name That Tune Kit!
Want to play? Sign up below to receive:
- A printable game board for both Simple & Advanced play.
- A curated Passover song playlist to use for the game.
- A bonus guide with teaching tips and engagement ideas.
- The ability to customize and make it your own!
Sign Up to Get Your Free Game Kit
Looking for More Passover Song Ideas?
For even more Passover music inspiration, check out 10 Passover Songs for Kiddos. And if you love this game, you’ll LOVE the Passover Songleading Course—a full guide to engaging kids & families in the music of Pesach. Perfect for educators, songleaders, and parents who want to bring the spirit of Passover to life through music. Learn More Here!
Let’s make this Passover fun, musical, and unforgettable! Share your experiences playing Passover Name That Tune in the comments below!
