Overview

The rich traditions of Passover come alive in this contemporary family haggadah. Updated from the original 2000 edition, this holiday favorite is available again for families to treasure. As children and adults gather at the seder dinner to remember the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, this creative, yet authentic haggadah will guide and engage them. Lushly illustrated, with blessings and text of every major section of the haggadah in Hebrew, English translation, and transliteration, the welcoming and accessible style of Why On This Night? will make it a treasured seder companion year after year.

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Reviews

"Kindergarten-Grade 4-Musleah expands on the traditional Haggadah by including pre-seder tradition, child-oriented songs, plays, and crafts. She retains almost all of the core readings and blessings in some form and explains them in a meaningful way. She also makes the Haggadah more accessible by transliterating the Hebrew and describing many of the traditions in more depth than is usual. The linoleum-cut paintings complement the text well; at times, simple lines portray a figure, face, or action . . . Adults looking for a children's Haggadah may find what they need here, and interfaith families will find it particularly accessible. A useful addition to Jewish holiday collections.--Amy Lilien-Harper ""School Library Journal"" Teaming their considerable talents, Musleah and August offer a stop-and-take-notice version of the book used to lead families through the seder, the home service, and the festive meal that opens the eight-day Passover celebration. Subtle reminders of the holiday's celebration of freedom are enfolded into Musleah's poetic explanations of the symbolic foods and traditions, as well as questions that encourage participation in the celebration. The Hebrew prayers are gender neutral and written with transliterations and English translations so everyone can be involved in the service. The scores and lyrics of traditional songs, as well as illuminating comments about their meanings, are included, and songs set to melodies such as ""Yankee Doodle,"" add a lighthearted touch for children. There are also folk stories and a brief, four-act play. August's jubilant, signature linocuts, printed in oils on rice paper, bloom in the colors and stylized images of spring and the Middle East's flowers and fruits. Their luminous colors and rich textures lend a radiance to the majestic depiction of the seder plate and wrap the images of God's intervention to free the Israelites in spirituality. The vibrant writing and artistic creativity of this memorable collaboration vitalize an ancient Jewish tradition for contemporary children--Ellen Mandel ""Booklist"" The Haggadah, a prayer book that commemorates the ancient tale of Jews fleeing from slavery in Egypt is the inspiration for this handsomely illustrated, well-researched volume that describes the customs surrounding the religious observance of Passover and suggests ways to give children an important part in the celebration. The author explains every aspect of the holiday; from the way the house is cleaned and prepared, to setting the Seder table, the order of the service, selected recipes, table decorations, and the meanings of the prayers. Traditional prayers in Hebrew, English translation, and transliteration as well as verse sung to familiar tunes such as Sing a Song of Sixpence have a place in this Haggadah. Stories, poems, songs, and music, a play about the Exodus and discussion questions help children and adults explore the meaning of Passover. Customs from different parts of the world and gender-neutral translations of the Hebrew text make the book accessible to people of varied backgrounds. Adults are the likely users; dipping into it to understand various aspects of the holiday celebration; reading passages aloud; selecting portions for the family Seder. Children will love the illustrations. A beautifully designed resource with a wealth of material for the family that wants to construct its own child-centered Passover celebration. (Nonfiction. All ages)-- ""Kirkus Reviews"""

Author Information

Rahel Musleah is an award-winning journalist, author, singer, storyteller and educator. Her articles have appeared in The New York Times, Hadassah magazine, and numerous other publications. She was born in Calcutta and leads Jewish heritage tours of India. She is the author of several books including Apples and Pomegranates: A Family Seder for Rosh Hashanah, and has recorded a CD of Shabbat and holiday melodies, Hodu: Jewish Rhythms from Baghdad to India. She lives in New York. Visit her website, explorejewishindia.com. Illustrator LOUISE AUGUST, was a painter, printmaker, and muralist whose works have been acquired by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Yale University Art Gallery, and the Butler Institute of American Art. She illustrated several children's books, including The Way Meat Loves Salt.

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