The Gateways Haggadah is a breakthrough for Jewish families with special needs members. This bright, colorful, and easy-to-hold Haggadah is meant to be used by people with special needs. It has all the essential parts of the traditional Haggadah as well as photographs of families like the ones who will use it. The directions are very clear which makes it easier for everyone. One of the unique parts of this Haggadah is that there are Mayer- Johnson Picture Communication symbols for each blessing. This allows for the engagement of people who were unable to participate in the seder before. This Haggadah will feel quite comfortable for most Jewish families as it does not slant toward any particular movement within Judaism, although the text of the Haggadah is greatly abbreviated. The editing decisions were made well; for example, the Four Sons section has been reinterpreted to be stories of four special needs children and their reactions to the holiday and all it entails. The tone of this Haggadah is warm and inviting. Countless Jewish families will enjoy using this Haggadah to enhance their seder experiences.
Jewish Text
The Gateways Haggadah: A Seder for the Whole Family
- Review
By
– February 2, 2016
Debbie Feder is currently the Director of the LRC at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago. She has her Masters in Library and Information Science from Dominican University. She has spent more than ten years introducing children and young adults to literature and information literacy at schools and public libraries. She is the author of Jelly Bean’s Art Museum Adventure and is honored to have been a member of the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee.
Discussion Questions
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