The Rock 'n' Roll Haggadah: Your Guide to a Seder That Rocks!

A rock-and-roll infused Haggadah that brings the intertwined history of Judaism and music to your Seder table.

Passover is one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays. Families all over the world gather around the dining table to recite the story of the Exodus from Egypt, honor the freedom of the Jewish people, and look toward the future. The Rock ‘N’ Roll Haggadah shares the traditional biblical stories and rituals of a standard Haggadah, but it also includes a rich tapestry of anecdotes that speak to the influence of Judaism on artists and their music, and its culinary, historical, and anthropological impact.

Throughout the book, which features English, Hebrew, and transliterations, you’ll find vibrant illustrations and little-known rock and roll references that lightheartedly tie into the narratives of the “Ten Plagues,” “Forty Years in the Desert,” “Elijah’s Cup,” and more. It also includes fun DIY projects such as making a rock-and-roll Egyptian centerpiece and a record album Seder plate, as well as suggestions for a Passover playlist that will enhance any Seder.

Whether you’re hosting or attending a Seder, the book’s wide range of musicians and songs will spark conversations among all generations at the table and provide a fantastic soundtrack for any Passover celebration.

At age twelve, New York–born, punk rock–worshipping Meredith Ochs rejected the lavish bat mitzvahs of her peers. She asked her parents, cofounders of an orthodox synagogue, to take her to Israel instead. Her family trekked across the Holy Land and had her bat mitzvah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem—making a profound impact on the aspiring writer, musician, record collector, and deejay. Ochs went on to build a career in and around rock ‘n’ roll as an award-winning broadcaster, journalist, and longtime NPR commentator, and became the first woman editor of Guitar World magazine. Ochs played in touring bands while contributing articles to publications such as Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly and hosted a daily radio talk show at Sirius XM. Through her numerous gigs, she met and interviewed thousands of celebrities, some of whom appear in The Rock ‘N’ Roll Haggadah. Ochs is also the author of several books, including Rock-and-Roll Woman.

After a reform Jewish upbringing in Ohio and graduating with a fine arts degree, Kay Miller was New York City bound. The music of bands that played at Max’s Kansas City and CBGB’s, particularly Television, Patti Smith, and the Ramones lured her there. In September of 1978, Kay moved into a former cold water flat on St. Mark’s Place in the East Village. Having worked a variety of odd jobs, she eventually began teaching at a public school on the Lower East Side. On the weekends, she spent her time attending live rock shows in New York. She married a drummer who had been an acquaintance of hers for a long time and they continue to rock and roll to this day.