Smart, engaging fiction that explores human rights with clarity and humor
Shalzed is an alien from a war-torn planet who came to Earth believing human rights could be the key to peace, not only here but across the galaxy. He’s shocked to discover that in spite of our laws and declarations, we still struggle to attain peace and justice. Each Friday he sends a story trying to understand why our ideals sound so good in theory but are hard in practice.
Now he's coming to your seder
These special Passover episodes of Shalzed brings the Exodus story into conversation with modern questions about power, vulnerability, and moral responsibility. Written specifically for middle school, high school, and thoughtful teen audiences, they encourage critical thinking while remaining deeply rooted in Jewish text and tradition, helping young people examine questions they are often thinking but rarely given space to explore.
Easy to Use 30 minute Lessons
5 Minutes- Read story
10-12 minutes- Discuss included questions in havruta or small groups
10-12 minutes- Reconvene to exchange thoughts and perspectives
If God hadn’t redeemed us, would we still be slaves? What about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
I was nervous my family wouldn’t accept Shalzed. We always invited guests to our seders, but being from another planet made Shalzed a little bit- different. He had come to Earth to learn about human rights, but to my surprise when I told him about Passover he wanted to join us too.
My dad greeted him with a handshake. When my mother said hello, she mumbled loud enough for me and my dad to hear that Shalzed was nice, but maybe next year I’d come with a girlfriend. I wished she would stop pushing. . .
Refugees: What if Everyone Came to Egypt?
Could Pharoah have told Jacob and his family no?
My dad had everyone take a turn reading a section of the Haggadah. Maya read her part very well, including all the big words. My mom and dad said how impressed they were. But I think she realized that they were just having trouble coming to grips with the fact she was already in 7th grade and growing up fast.
When it was Shalzed’s turn I showed him the place. My mom gave him a funny look, like she wasn’t sure if this was really appropriate, but didn’t say anything. Then Shalzed began in his super deep voice, “Jacob went down to Egypt, forced to go according to the Torah. He only went to dwell in Egypt temporarily.”
Nora made a snort. “That’s just like what the people from Haiti and Venezuela and all the rest of them say,” she interrupted. “They say they’re just coming to the U.S. for a short time, but then they figure out ways to stay longer.”
Questions? Feedback?
Contact shlomo@hrhaggadah.com