Customer Reviews

Family Haggadah: A Seder for All Generations [FAMILY HAGGADAH]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was our third year using this Haggadah with our children, now 7 and 9 years old, and we will probably use it for at least a few more years. The "Family Haggadah" includes a complete service (i.e., no steps are skipped) with brief, clear English narration and key blessings and verses in Hebrew or Aramaic. The service is traditional with some contemporary additions - the Matzah of Hope; a poem written by a boy imprisoned in a concentration camp; Miriam's Cup; and one of our favorites, the Frog Song. The authors estimate that the service will take 45 minutes before dinner and 15 minutes after; we found it took closer to 55 minutes before dinner. The book is beautifully illustrated and includes discussion topics in boxes alongside the main text ranging from "what is your favorite part of the service" to a more sophisticated consideration of what it means to be enslaved versus free. Because the text is streamlined and simplified, rather than dumbed-down, this is also an ideal Haggadah for first-time seder hosts and seder novices of any age. To keep the service brief, very few traditional Hebrew songs are included. If you like to sing, you will need to supplement the "Family Haggadah" with a more traditional book, such as the Maxwell House version available in supermarkets.

This wonderful, easy-to-follow Family Haggadah was designed as a guide for the seder experience where young people are present. Elie M. Gindi originally compiled the Haggadah as a tool to teach his children the mysteries and secrets of the holiday, whild maintaining their interest and stimulating their curiosity. Seder participants are provided with easy-to-read instructions for a smooth and traditional ceremony. Special features include text boxes scattered throughout that provide questions and engaging commentary, encouraging thoughtful discussion. Images of ancient and modern illuminated Haggadot and artifacts adorn the text of this unique Haggadah, allowing the reader a chance to view a rarely seen part of Passover history. Seder participants will experience Passover not simply through words, but through a feast of rich and vibrant images.

I was looking for an easy-to-read Haggadah that was intelligent but at the same time fun for kids. This is the perfect one after a 10 year search. It is also the perfect amount of information...enough to make the seder interesting, but not too much that you get the feeling it will never end! Thank you Mr. Gindi for this Haggadah!!!

The "Family Haggadah" appears to be illustrated and annotated for parents who want to keep their 7 - 12 year olds engaged during the seder. For that purpose, the Family Haggadah seems to be an excellent choice. Beautifully illustrated with lots of fun "side" facts. If you have teenagers or are a group of all adults, the Family Haggadah will likely come off as too childish. The content is good for various degrees of religious seders. If you are looking for a more cultural/humanistic/secular approach to celebrating Passover, this Haggadah will leave you wanting more. I take my hat (but not my kippa) off to the author for creating a kid friendly haggadah that parents could tolerate.

I am a "haggadah hoarder"! I have bought them ALL and personally use many of them for pre-seder preparation from year to year. And yet, THIS version is the one I set my table with -- it is attractive and easy to read, the gorgeous, colorful photos and illustrations thru-out make each page a delight. The questions and BRIEF commentary generate discussion. Every section one needs for a "proper" seder is included, with transliteration of all key seder moments, but it is abridged for a contemporary, non-Orthodox group. Our seder includes folks of all Jewish backgrounds at our table, as well as non-Jewish friends, and the Gindi receives universal praise each year. The price is right, too! Use other haggadot for the occasional supplementary reading or insight during your seder, but bring Gindi to the table as your essential haggadah. (Even the price is affordable to purchase one for every guest, too!)Happy Passover!

This is a delightful version of the Haggadah, perfect for wee ones as well as the bigger ones!

We were very happy with this Haggadah. Everything is there (hebrew, songs, stories, the afikomen, the wine,etc.) yet it is not excessively long. We had observant Jews, non-practicing Jews and a few non-Jews at our Sedar and they all throughly enjoyed the service. The ages ranged from 9 years old to 53 years old and included 3 teenagers. Truly several generations represented.

What a great Haggadah! It was fun for kids and adults alike. Easy to read, very inviting for guests who had never been to a seder before as well.

This is a good haggadah for families with younger children. It is not too simplistic but plain enough for everyone to understand and enjoy.

This is a wonderful Haggadah that we have been using in my family ever since my dad wrote it. It is easy to understand and it makes the meal so much less boring. I am 11 which is the youngest in my family and we still use it in our seders. I hope that everyone who is young or old loves this book. I sure did!