Dr Kerry M Olitzky

Welcome to the Seder Dr Kerry M Olitzky

Passover is a springtime holiday. And a story about freedom. It traces the Exodus of the Israelites from ancient Egyptian slavery through their journey in the desert to the Land of Israel. Like multihued threads woven into one tapestry, the Israelites were forged into a people. The seder is a structured celebration in which participants reenact that journey as if it were their own. The haggadah is the road map for that journey.

Welcome to the Seder is an inclusive haggadah with which we welcome all those at the table, from the most traditional to the first-time seder participants. This haggadah includes many familiar elements of the seder, along with poems, readings, and stories that acknowledge, value, and celebrate the wide range of backgrounds of seder participants today, and inspire us with the universal message of freedom.

                                                                 



"If you are searching for an inclusive, beautiful, and easy-to-use creative haggadah for Passover, look no further than Welcome to the Seder: A Passover Haggadah for Everyone. Rabbi Kerry Olitzky offers a freash take on the traditional ritual, and rinat Gilboa's artwork is delightful. A great choice for your seder table."   --Dr. Ron Wolfson, Fingerhut Professor of Education, American Jewish University

"Need a beautiful, spiritually inclusive yet easy-to-follow haggadah? You'll find exactly that when you open the pages of Welcome tot he Seder: A Passover Haggadah for Everyone. It's a perfect guide for your family's Passover celebration."  --Jodi Bromberg, CEO of InterfaithFamily







In additional to the traditional contents you expect from a good haggadah, Welcome to the Seder: A Passover Haggadah for Everyone also includes

A planning list to help you prepare for your seder

Prayers and blessings in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew, and English translation

Explanations of non-traditional items such as oranges, pineapples, and artichokes included on some seder tables to represent explicit messages of welcome and inclusion. 

Relective questions that focus on themes of freedom, renewal, marginalization, community, inclusion, and outreach.

Descriptions of rituals and blessings from other cultures that are similar to Passover rituals.

Seder songs in tranlsation and Hebrew transliteration.

Recipes.





"Whether you have been leading seders for generations or hope to led one for the first time, this is a haggadah to inspire, educate, and enliven your table. Rabbi Kerry Olitzky and illustrator Rinat Gilboa have created a beautiful and accessible addition to our Passover library."                                       

 --Abigail Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew