My People's Passover Haggadah: Traditional Texts, Modern Commentaries Volume 1 (Hardcover)

~ Lawrence A., Rabbi, Ph.D. Hoffman (Editor), David, Ph.D. Arnow (Editor) "Sometimes things are so familiar that we take for granted what they are..." (more)
Key Phrases: birkat hamazon, splitting covenant, arba kosot, Maxwell House Haggadah, Land of Egypt, Reform Jews (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about the Passover haggadah, from multiple perspectives: biblical, historical, theological, legal, rabbinic, mystical, feminist—and then some. The editors don't take anything for granted, even defining basic terms like haggadah itself and discussing the translation of barukh, the first word of every blessing. But this comprehensive two-volume handbook is not for the cursory reader or even for light use at the seder table. It opens with a collection of scholarly essays reflecting all denominations of Judaism, then segues into the text, presented cleverly in Talmudic format (in Hebrew with a new English translation) and surrounded by commentaries. Contributors include Lawrence Kushner, Arthur Green, Carole Balin and Neil Gillman as well as Hoffman (My People's Prayer Book) and Arnow (Creating Lively Passover Seders). The plurality of voices lends richness to the reader's understanding of the familiar text, but it can be confusing to follow the flow of the commentaries, which continue beyond the text and even overshadow it. Still, this illuminating resource provides a myriad of in-depth answers to the why? in why is this night different from all others? (Apr.)
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Product Description

In two volumes, this empowering resource for the spiritual revival of our times enables us to find deeper meaning in one of Judaism's most beloved traditions, the Passover Seder. Rich Haggadah commentary adds layer upon layer of new insight to the age-old celebration of the journey from slavery to freedom--and makes its power accessible to all.

This diverse and exciting Passover resource features the traditional Haggadah Hebrew text with a new translation designed to let you know exactly what the Haggadah says. Introductory essays help you understand the historical roots of Passover, the development of the Haggadah, and how to make sense out of texts and customs that evolved from ancient times.

Framed with beautifully designed Talmud-style pages, My People's Passover Haggadah features commentaries by scholars from all denominations of Judaism. You are treated to insights by experts in such fields as the Haggadah's history; its biblical roots; its confrontation with modernity; and its relationship to rabbinic midrash and Jewish law, feminism, Chasidism, theology, and kabbalah.

No other resource provides such a wide-ranging exploration of the Haggadah, a reservoir of inspiration and information for creating meaningful Seders every year.

Commentators:

• David Arnow-The World of Midrash
• Carole B. Balin-Modern Haggadot
• Marc Brettler-Our Biblical Heritage
• Neil Gillman-Theologically Speaking
• Alyssa Gray-Medieval Commentators
• Arthur Green-Personal Spirituality
• Joel M. Hoffman-Translating the Haggadah
• Lawrence A. Hoffman-History of the Haggadah
• Lawrence Kushner and Nehemia Polen-Chasidic Voices
• Daniel Landes-The Halakhah of the Seder
• Wendy I. Zierler-Feminist Voices

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 267 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing (January 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580233546
• ISBN-13: 978-1580233545
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #175,641 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding! But be sure this is what you are looking for., February 29, 2008

By	TravelMod (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Lawrence Hoffman is a leading scholar and writer in the Reform Jewish movement, though he pays due attention to Orthodox traditions for the historical perspective. He has a series of "My People's...." books which examine the practice and evolution of Jewish ritual and prayer.
His "My People's Haggadah" is published in two volumes and is a detailed commentary on the content of the traditional Haggadah, the book that in various forms (there are thousands of versions) is used to structure the Seder service and meal that Jews participate in during the holiday of Passover. His insights are illuminating, scholarly, and in some cases, provocative, but always worthwhile. My only caveat would be that this is not the casual reader's guide to the Haggadah, nor a simple summary of the Reform observance of Passover. This book requires a certain amount of commitment to study. Highly recommended, if this is your area of interest or curiosity.

5.0 out of 5 stars My People's Haggadah vol 1, August 4, 2009

By	Donald J. Weinshank "Don Weinshank, Prof. Eme... (East Lansing, MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Brilliant and eminently readable scholarship. I incorporated chunks of both volumes into our Passover Seder. I regard these volumes as "must have" ones for anybody interested in the history of the Haggadah.