Customer Reviews

The Moss Haggadah: A complete reproduction of the Haggadah written and illuminated by David Moss for Richard and Beatrice Levy, with the commentary of the artist (Hebrew and English Edition)

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Each generation throughout history produces its own interpretaion of the ancient haggadah. David Moss has created what I consider to be the most brilliant interpretation of the 20th century. Beneath his masterful art lies years of studying the traditional texts, revealing both a profound understanding of the words as well as the function of the haggadah. The rabbis who authored and edited these texts asked future generations to experience the exodus from Egypt as if we were there. Using this haggadah truly compels the reader to experience the story of the exodus by creating various levels of meaning through art and word. One sentence for example, asks us to see ourselves as if we went out of Egpyt. David, through a brilliant depiction of the verse, give us a mirrored reflection of our selves - and of people in various generations who also saw themselves as if they had gone out of Egypt. His added commentary is a profound interpretative resource. As a sofer with an appreciation of traditional Hebrew script and as a rabbi who has used and taught the haggadah for years, it is clear that this haggadah is truly a masterpiece of the 20th century. It needs to be used and found on every seder table.

There are truly some beautiful artsy haggadot to be had without spending too much money. The Moss Haggadah is one of these. If you only look at the illustration on the cover, Dayenu! David Moss, who has served as an artist-in-residence at Camp Ramah, is a gifted artist who uses his talent to put forth his own interpretation of the midrash that is the haggadah.

My favorite representation is his B'khol Dor Vador (In Every Generation) spread in which he brilliantly includes small mirrors interspersed among depictions of our ancestors so that we may actually see ourselves as having been a part of the exodus from Egypt. It is nice to display some beautiful haggadot like Moss's during your seder and for the entire eight-day holiday for your guests to enjoy, and to help them gain more insight into the festival.

When you see the majesty of the Moss Haggadah, you won't have a problem spending a couple hundred dollars on this must-have haggadah.

This is a beautiful book, although it's been cheapened from the very expensive original. It has only one "cut-out, see-through" page, but it's still an exceptionally beautiful Haggadah.