Customer Reviews

The Santa Cruz Haggadah - Leader's Edition (Regular)

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This haggadah brings out the meaning in every part of the Passover seder. In an age where tradition is sometimes looked down upon or misunderstood, Karen G.R. Roekard makes an ancient tradition come to life within a modern framework. The author makes the seder REALLY relevant to anyone who, while living a modern life, wants to keep in touch with a deeper, older, spiritual self.

The leader's edition contains extra insight into the Passover seder. The commentaries and meditations that are included with almost every page of the actual seder are meant to make the participants think about the reality of their lives in the context of the seder and the questions the story raises.

This haggadah is so warm and friendly and welcoming to everyone at the table you feel really inspired! The fact is that it emphasizes the ways that the historical exodus is alive for us today as Jews, even though few of us now live in Egypt. It speaks to our hearts as well as our observances and it encourages our joy. The only complaint I have about the Leader's edition is that it's a little large on a crowded seder table, but that's incidental. Personally I like to use it to plan the add-ins to the seder, and it works very well.

The smaller Participant's version is charming and easy to handle for all the guests. And the kids really do love to color the pictures! As the years go by we've seen the accumulations of color and commentary from our guests, and it enriches the experience. Happily, I find a few copies go home with people each year. I keep replenishing the stock so there's always a mix of new and pre-colored copies at the table, and this enhances the sense of continuity through time, as there's always something from before, and always something new to add.

This is one of the most twisted concepts I have ever seen relating to Jewish Holidays. Passover is a celebration of the miraculous escape from bondage by the Jewish people. By combining that meaning with the authors views of social problems is to blaspheme the word of G-d. This book does not deserve to be called an Hagaddah.