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April 7, 2006
Choosing a Haggadah
What makes this year different from all others?
TANYA ROSENBLATT
Every year during Pesach, we read from the Haggadah – a manual
of blessings, prayers, psalms and excerpts from the bible. Conducting
the seder with the Haggadah is a fulfilment of the scriptural commandment
to each Jew to "tell your son" about the Jewish liberation
from slavery in ancient Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus.
The first printed version of the Haggadah was published in Guadalajara
in 1482, 10 years prior to the expulsion of the Jews from Spain.
By the 16th century, there were approximately 25 printed versions;
300 years later, there were more than 1,000.
The style of Haggadah with which one chooses to lead the seder is
significant because it sets the tone that will be carried out that
particular evening. There are many sorts of Haggadot available;
varying in geographical origin, denominational orientation, political
and social focus and historical emphasis. This year's offerings
include Haggadot designed to wake up the soul and feel the true
essence of the holiday of Pesach: redemption.
In The Carlebach Haggadah: Seder Night with Reb Shlomo (edited
by Chaim Stefansky), the reader is given insight into Rabbi Shlomo
Carlebach's teachings of love and spirituality through remarkable
stories that warm the soul. Carlebach, the foremost songwriter in
contemporary Judaism, who used his music to inspire and unite Jews
around the world, was embraced especially in Israel, where youth
movements have repeatedly adopted his songs. Described as a musical
genius, Carlebach's melodies, including "Adir Hu," "Am
Yisrael Chai" and "Esa Ena" are sung throughout the
world in Chassidic shteibels and Reform temples alike, and have
sunk so deeply into Jewish consciousness that many don't realize
these are not age-old tunes.
Accompanying the traditional Haggadah text are Carlebach's poetic
interpretations, reminiscences and instructive retellings of ancient
legends. One moving story is included in the section "Who Made
Us Holy with His Mitzvot." Describing the mitzvah of tzedakah
(charity), Carlebach shares a tale about Yossele the Miser who is
wrongly accused of not giving tzedakah to the poor in Cracow. The
entire community detests Yossele and, when he passes away, they
refuse to give him a proper burial. What is discovered shortly after
his death is that Yossele had secretly been giving a generous amount
of charity to all of his poor neighbors. He knew the true meaning
of charity was giving without recognition and refused to accept
any acknowledgement for his donations. Carlebach commentaries may
be read aloud in their entirety or selected passages may be read
to illuminate the timeless message of this beloved book of redemption.
The Holistic Haggadah: How Will You Be Different This Passover
Night? by Michael L. Kagan supports a holistic approach towards
Judaism, interlacing spiritual and intellectual ideas. Its text,
in Hebrew and English, leads the reader to explore attachments to
superficial and material objects and introduces ways of leaving
their self-imposed Mitzraim (Egypt). Kagan backs his ideas
by describing the story of Joseph, who "went down into the
pit, then down to Mitzraim and then down into the pit of pits. He
had to face his arrogance, his manipulative self and his lack of
trust in God."
The Haggadah goes on by arousing curiosity and awakening sentiment
one might feel during the seder. In a way, the book acts as a personal
psychologist, making the reader come to terms with the fact that
we were once trapped as slaves in Egypt. In addition, it continues
by explaining how to properly deal with the emotions that follow.
Writes Kagan, "Do not be afraid to step into the layers of
pain that surround the heart. Grieve all the losses and be willing
to let the tears (karpas) flow. Renew the contact with your
heart energy. Let the inner bitterness be miraculously transformed
by love into love."
While a number of appealing Haggadot have been published, these
two books succeed beautifully in giving us a wealth of insights
on and new connections to the Pessach story, particularly regarding
redemption. Both can be purchased directly through amazon.ca or
chapters.ca.
Tanya Rosenblatt is a Vancouver writer currently living
in Jerusalem. She has also been published in the National Post,
Jerusalem Post and Vancouver Sun.
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