Creating Lively Passover Seders: A Sourcebook of Engaging Tales, Texts and Activities FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
"The Mishnah implies that no two Seders should be the same," claims Arnow, who has created a new Haggadah pamphlet each year to distribute among friends and family. In this innovative book, he urges readers to make the ritual their own, using Passover as an opportunity to better understand and internalize Judaism, freedom and faith. Each chapter begins with a short selection from the Haggadah, followed by Arnow's interpretations, ideas for discussion of relevant topics (e.g. miracles, slavery, exile) and suggestions for hands-on activities. Some adults may find these activities cheesy, but Passover has always been a holiday in which children are actively involved, and they will love "marching" from Egypt to the Red Sea, or stepping outdoors mid-meal to gaze at the full moon. (Mar.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Judy Chernak
The Passover Seder is reputed to be the Jewish tradition most observed today and has also become a recognizable form of interfaith activity in recent years. Although first commanded to the ancient Israelites by God as they prepared to escape from slavery in Egypt, this ritual has been carried on in every country and under the most astoundingly hostile circumstances throughout the centuries. Today, however, many Jews seem to find not enough meaning in the minutiae of preparations for the holiday and the prescribed reading of the ancient Haggadah, the Order of the Seder, at their festive dinner. This new book will be of great value to them and to anyone searching for meaning in the old customs because it presents a myriad of creative ideas to jog the mind and engage the spirit. There are sections on freedom and slavery today, God's role in history, women of the Exodus, and reliving the Exodus, to name a few. But they are far from dry text, including activities, dramatic presentations, games, and discussions. The author introduces himself as a clinical psychologist rather than a rabbi, and indeed his mission is not to instruct but to raise questions and provide suggestions for extracting meaning from the text. He has done a good job as there's enough material here for years' worth of "Creating Lively Passover Seders." But, this is a paperback book with very few illustrations—more would have been welcomed. 2004, Jewish Lights, Ages Adult.
Library Journal
"Why another book on making a Passover seder?" ask Rabbi Alan Kay and wife Jo Kay in the introduction to their how-to guide and sourcebook, noting that more than 3500 Haggadahs are currently in print worldwide. They aim to provide suggestions for making a seder "with significance for your family legacy and the world around you," offering a practical, step-by-step guide to Passover preparation (selecting a Haggadah, planning the menu, shopping, readying the house, and setting the seder table) and to the seder itself. Inset boxes add helpful tips, explanations of traditions, and relevant contemporary stories. Even recipes are included. Arnow, a clinical psychologist and former president of the New Israel Fund, focuses more on the historical and religious background of each passage from the Haggadah and on helping seder leaders and participants find personal, contemporary meaning in the traditional words. He discusses the "long road from slavery to freedom," the four questions, the four children, reconnecting Passover and nature, the Exodus as a personal spiritual journey, women of the Exodus, the ten plagues, Israel and the Haggadah, and the miracles of Egypt and our day. Also included are chapters on Hillel, Elijah, and biblical archaeology, as well as a wealth of suggested group readings and artistic activities to help make the Passover seder livelier and more meaningful. Why another book on making a Passover seder? Why not? How many books of Christmas crafts, cooking, decorating, and traditions does your library have? People are always looking for fresh, new ways to celebrate established holidays, and these two new sourcebooks are highly recommended for any public library.-Marcia Welsh, Dartmouth Coll., Hanover, NH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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