Empowering Seder Conversations Passover Haggadah
Leora Ashman et al.
Urim Publications, Jerusalem. New York
128 pages, 20124
978-965-524-370-3
Very instructive Haggadah
The new 2024 Urim Publications “Empowering Seder Conversations Passover Haggadah” is very instructive. The Passover Seder is a family meal and ceremony, frequently with guests, using an ancient book called Haggadah, “The Telling,” which contains multiple ancient writings designed to encourage participants to think about Jewish history, freedom, and the future and speak about the biblical story of the Israelites’ exodus under Moses’ leadership from Egyptian slavery over 3,000 years ago. The ancient Jewish sages encouraged Seder leaders to seek ways to prompt participants to offer their thoughts about the departure and freedom and its meaning today because the Seder, the Haggadah used during it, and the ceremonies in it teach people today how to improve themselves and all that is created.
The Urim Haggadah contains many thoughtful insights into the meaning of the exodus, the Seder, and Passover that will enlighten the participants and spark conversation. The insights also address history, freedom, pain, adversity, loneliness, love, and loss, among many others.
Thirty-five Jewish men and women contributed short essays to stimulate participation. One points out that Moses tried to persuade God not to send him to Egypt by saying, “I am not a man of many words.” However, tonight, we read how he led the Israelites from slavery. Doesn’t this show that limited words can achieve great things? Can you think of examples?
Another wrote, among much else, that we need to understand the root of Israel’s Egyptian slavery. Didn’t it all begin when Jacob’s sons, Joseph’s brothers, showed hatred and envy? Doesn’t this tell us some things about what bitterness can lead to?
Still, another wrote, if Elijah is such a mighty prophet, why do we have to open the door for him at the Seder? Does this reveal something about opening the door for freedom?
A fourth reminded readers that the Israelites collapsed in fear when they saw the Egyptian chariots chasing after them and pleaded with Moses to let them return to Egypt and slavery. What does this tell us about human nature, fear, freedom, and how we should think and act?
The book details all the tools needed for the Seder and provides seven pages of instruction on managing the meal and ceremonies. The traditional Hebrew text of the Haggadah appears alongside easy-to-read commentaries in English. There are Seder instruction icons, a Hebrew copy of the biblical book Song of Songs, traditionally read in synagogues during Passover, which deals with love, is also included, and more.
There’s a lot of good stuff hidden just beneath the surface of God‘s Word. This book sounds like an excellent Biblical discussion-starter. Just ordered a copy. Look forward to reading!
Thank you, Rabbi.
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of Kings.”
Proverbs 25:2
I hope you enjoy it Pete.
Israel
Thank you for the recommendation, dear Rabbi Israel Drazin ! Human history definitely shows that limited words can achieve great things. It is often said that “actions speak louder than words,” and Moses’ actions throughout the Exodus definitely illustrate this. His faith, leadership, and commitment to God’s will were able to motivate and lead the Israelites out of bondage, despite his self-professed lack of eloquence. The power of few but meaningful words is also demonstrated in other scenarios throughout religious and secular history. For instance, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, while brief, is one of the most influential speeches in Christian history. Similarly, the Gettysburg Address, given by President Abraham Lincoln, is one of the most well-known speeches in American history and it consisted of less than 300 words. In all these cases, it is the power and conviction behind the words, rather than their quantity, that drives their impact. This teaches us that being a person of fewer words should never be seen as a disadvantage, as long as these words are truthful, meaningful and purposeful. Best: stephen
I could not agree more. You are totally right.