Why on This Night?: A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration [Paperback]

Rahel Musleah (Author), Louise August (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2000

The rich traditions of Passover come alive in this contemporary family haggadah. 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. It takes children beyond the Four Questions and the search for the afikoman, encouraging them to enjoy every step of the seder. Through stories, songs, poems, activities, and explanations, children can step back in time to experience the exodus as if they themselves were leaving Egypt -- and at the same time understand the significance of Passover traditions today. Lushly illustrated, with the blessings and text of every major section of the haggadah in Hebrew, English translation, and transliteration, this haggadah's welcoming and accessible style will make it a treasured seder companion year after year.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

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. Unfortunately, the writing is sometimes trite ("As we sweep the crumbs from the corners of our rooms, we also clear our hearts of the crummy thoughts we have of others"), simplistic, or didactic. The author clearly has an agenda; among other things, she compares the Biblical plagues to today's societal problems. Still, 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, Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068983313X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689833137
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #330,112 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Jewish

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, April 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Why on This Night?: A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration (Paperback)

The Passover Haggadah, Why on This Night, written by Rahel Musleah and illustrated by Louise August is truly delightful. After searching for an appropriate Haggadah for my family over the past few years, I finally feel the search is over. The Haggadah is beautifully written and illustrated and the text is engaging for all ages. Throughout the Haggadah the Hebrew transliteration is available as are the melodies of the songs. We can't wait to use the Haggadah this year and for many, many years to come.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why On This Night? Review, April 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Why on This Night?: A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration (Paperback)

This is an outstanding haggadah. I will use many of the ideas at my seder this year. Adults and children can learn a great deal about Passover by reading the detailed, yet very clear and simple explanations about the traditions, seder items, etc. The author also includes many interesting perspectives on the different parts of the seder.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for kids and the family bookshelf., April 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Why on This Night?: A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration (Hardcover)

Rahel Musleah's Why On This Night? will reach a wide range of ages, with parents reading aloud to the younger set, as it celebrates the rich traditions of Passover through stories, poems, and activities. There's a lot of text here but the entire family can participate in the book's revelations.