The Family Haggadah - Softcover

Schecter, Ellen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0670883417 ISBN 13: 9780670883417

Publisher: Viking Juvenile, 1999

Synopsis

A book interweaves original writing with traditional Haggadah, prayer book, music, and biblical texts, as well as with midrash (rabbinic stories and commentaries) in order to enhance the understanding of the rituals of the Passover Seder.

About this title

Reviews

Kindergarten-Grade 6This Haggadah makes the Passover Seder accessible to youngsters, regardless of their upbringing or educational background. After a brief introduction on how to use the book, Schecter jumps right in with a script to follow, from the night before the celebration until the end of the Seder. The book maintains an egalitarian standard without becoming didactic. God is never referred to as male, and both men and women are shown to have played large roles in the Exodus story. The traditional Four Sons have become the Four Children, and the recent tradition of Miriams Cup is included. The book ends with a list of ways in which youngsters can participate in the holiday celebration. Black-and-white paintings depict biblical characters and some of the items used during the meal. Unfortunately, half of the prayers are written in English only (the rest are in English, Hebrew, and transliteration). However, this is a small flaw in an otherwise excellent presentation.Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los Angeles
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Although really intended for parents to use with their children at a family Passover seder, this attractive book may also be useful to children wanting to plan their own model celebration. Schecter gives instructions for setting the holiday table as well as a nonsexist, much simplified version (including a reference to Miriam's cup) of the Passover service, with the story and some of the traditional music and prayers accompanied by transliteration from the Hebrew. Portions of the text have been designated for a leader to read aloud. A final section contains suggestions for parents wanting to involve the children in seder preparation and participation. Black-and-white illustrations in Neil Waldman's signature graphic style complete an attractive package that introduces one of the Jewish calendar's most beautiful holidays. Stephanie Zvirin

Edition details

• Publisher: Viking Juvenile
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0670883417
• ISBN 13: 9780670883417
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Waldman Neil
• Number of pages: 80