Hamas War

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Which Haggadat Pesach? Does It Make A Difference?

Growing up in all those decades ago in New York, we didn't know that there could be an enormous variety of Haggadot. Everyone had those Manashevitz ones. I don't know where they came from. Maybe from the thick syrupy Maneshivitz wines, which were the only kosher wines in those days. Kosher wine and sugary grape syrup with a bit of "kick" were synonymous.

It never occurred to us that anyone was supposed to veer from the proscribed text. We just took turns reading. Discussion? I don't remember any. That's besides disciplining kids and discussing food and politics. Discuss the Haggada? Mah pitome?! Don't be ridiculous!

Things are different now and here. We're supposed to involve the kids and keep them interested. When my kids were in school, they'd bring notes from class to help them explain various points. We all have Haggadot with commentary.

The new "favorite" for some is "Tonight We Are Leaving Egypt," commentary by Dr. Yisrael Eldad, edited by Yehuda Etzion. I still enjoy my Rebbe Shlomo Carlebach one. One of my kids has always loved the one with pictures from Israel's wars and history.

What Haggadot do you use and like?

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