The Szyk Haggadah

Created on the eve of World War II by the renowned artist Arthur Szyk, The Szyk Haggadah is one of the most extraordinary illustrated books of the twentieth century―a luminous retelling of the Passover story that merges sacred ritual, masterful artistry, and moral urgency.

Drawing on the tradition of medieval illuminated manuscripts, Szyk transforms the Exodus narrative into a visual declaration of freedom, resistance, and Jewish identity.

This beautiful edition―the first trade reproduction since 1940 made directly from Szyk’s original art―features a newly commissioned, highly accessible English translation by Rabbi Byron L. Sherwin, designed for practical use at the Passover Seder. An extensive commentary by Rabbi Sherwin and Irvin Ungar, the leading scholar of Szyk’s work, offers insight into the rituals of the Seder as well as the historical and artistic significance of Szyk’s imagery.

Working in Łódź, Poland, as Nazi oppression loomed, Szyk infused the ancient text of the Haggadah with rich symbolism and meticulous detail. Each page pairs elegant Hebrew calligraphy with vivid paintings of biblical heroes, ritual moments, and allegorical figures, creating a powerful dialogue between text and image. The result is a Haggadah that is both timeless and deeply rooted in its historical moment.

At once a fully functional Haggadah, a landmark of Jewish book art, and a profound meditation on freedom in every generation, The Szyk Haggadah elevates the Passover table and stands as a treasured volume for families, scholars, and collectors alike.

“Szyk’s Haggadah is still fabulous and fresh,” wrote Hadassah Magazine, a testament to the enduring power of this remarkable work.

Arthur Szyk (1884–1951) was known primarily as a political illustrator of the highest caliber. Eleanor Roosevelt once referred to him as a “one-man army,” and indeed, he saw himself as a “soldier in art.”

Byron L. Sherwin (1946–2015) was a distinguished Jewish scholar, rabbi, and author known for his expertise in theology, inter-religious dialogue, mysticism, and Jewish ethics. He trained at the Jewish Theological Seminary under the guidance of Abraham Joshua Heschel and earned a Ph.D. in the History of Culture from the University of Chicago.

Irvin Ungar, an antiquarian bookseller and former rabbi, has championed the rediscovery of Szyk’s work. He is the author of several books on Szyk, including Justice Illuminated: The Art of Arthur Szyk and Arthur Szyk: Soldier in Art, which won the National Jewish Book Award in 2017.