By
– July 16, 2012
Passover is one of the most important Jewish holidays. It is a time to celebrate freedom and enjoy family. This small book by Rabbi Benjamin Blech, professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University, will enhance family observance by offering an opportunity to pass on traditions. It provides basic information about the story of Passover, seder rituals, foods, folklore, songs, and the Haggadah. It also has interesting trivia about the holiday, information about observance in communities all over the world, and online resources. What makes the book unique is an invitation for readers to be coauthors. Each chapter ends with space for them to write about their special thoughts, traditions, and family members. These include impressions of God, miracles, acts of kindness, favorite recipes, and even pets. Although Rabbi Blech writes from an Orthodox perspective, this book will enrich seders in any home. It will also be useful for teachers.
Barbara M. Bibel is a librarian at the Oakland Public Library in Oakland, CA; and at Congregation Netivot Shalom, Berkeley, CA.