From guest blogger, Jill Miller Zimon of "Writes Like She Talks" blogging fame:Have I Got a Story for You!
The Passover Seder – the prayer service and story read on the first two evenings of the holiday that recounts the Jews’ exodus from Egypt, is not known for its brevity – primarily because it has none, on any scale. This year, in the last 72 hours, I have received not one, not two, but three abbreviated versions of the seder text (think of the ten plagues, Pharaoh, Charlton Heston and Yul Brenner). There are, no doubt, many more home-grown and rabbinically-approved, abridged permutations, but this year, I’ve got three to review.
The first one I received is a play, first performed two or three years ago by three children, all under-age six, who are offspring of a friend of mine. The friend decided to codify their sketch into a script and now, this year, since we will be at their home for the second seder, my children will also be in this not-yet-ready-for-primetime production. With me making my kids’ costumes, I’m thinking that this might be the first year I drink all four cups of wine – before we get anywhere near their mandated place in the story.
Then, yesterday, Jewish World Review tried to appeal to those of us who are smitten with viral marketing tactics. They sent a link to a downloadable “Passover in 60 minutes (or less)” guide. According to its description, this version is, the ultimate guide to understanding the Festival of Freedom. Perfect for Seder leaders, participants or anybody truly interested gaining profound insight into Passover.
Make you seder more inspiring!
Beautifully designed in a printer-friendly PDF format.
Please spread the word via our "e-mail a friend" option.
Moses meets the 21st Century indeed.
Last but…not only not least but shortest: The Two-Minute Haggadah (Haggadah is the name of the prayer book used for the seder). The origins of this rendition are a bit muddled, much like most Biblical tales. But Slate.com posted it in 2006 with a byline from Michael Rubiner and many re-publications of it attribute it to him as well. Of course, what matters most is not who wrote it but rather, is it really only two minutes? Sounds like at least a good hand-out to the guests at the seder while they’re waiting for their wine glasses to be refilled.
Which version would I select for my home? Well, if I thought I could get to the food in just 120 seconds, you know which version we’d be reading. Especially since the event isn’t even starting until about 7:30 p.m. due to daylight saving time. Sigh – if I were in the batch of Jews Moses was trying to move out of Egypt, I would not have made it through the Red Sea.
Chag Sameach.
Editor's note: Passover begins tonight at sundown. About.com Cleveland wishes Jill, her family, and all of our Jewish readers a happy and healthy holiday.
(photo credit: istockphoto)
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