CCAR

Now available!

Edited by Rabbi Hara E. Person and Jessica Greenbaum
Art by Tobi Kahn

Sample Pages

Combining age-old texts, fresh insights, inspiring poetry, new translations, and breathtaking art, Mishkan HaSeder sets a new standard in Passover Haggadot. Using the beloved format of Mishkan T'filah and Mishkan HaNefesh, this Haggadah offers beautiful new translations by Rabbis Janet and Sheldon Marder in conversation with an extraordinary collection of poetry from a diverse array of poets. The running commentary by Rabbis Oren Hayon, Seth Limmer, and Amy Scheinerman draws out the historic background of the seder rituals, builds on the social justice issues of our day, and offers contemporary connections to Passover. The text is complemented by full-color works from acclaimed artist Tobi Kahn that will enhance any seder experience.

Mishkan HaSeder features poetry by Yehuda Amichai, Ellen Bass, Lucille Clifton, Edward Hirsch, Ross Gay, Emma Lazarus, Denise Levertov, Ada Limon, Grace Paley, Dan Pagis, Adrienne Rich, and many more. Equally suited to home and community celebrations, this is a Haggadah for today and tomorrow. Mishkan HaSeder has the depth to stimulate experienced seder leaders while its accessible explanations will make those joining our tables for the first time feel welcome.

Silver medal: Independent Publisher Book Awards (Religion category)

Also Available:

Available as a Visual T'filahTM
Now available in large print and Braille from JBI International

Passover and Poetry: Mishkan HaSeder Book Launch
Signs and Wonders: A video series of rabbinic conversations on Mishkan HaSeder
The Art of Mishkan HaSeder: A Conversation with Tobi Kahn


"In this brilliant new Reform Haggadah, the old is made new in a spiritual depth that is dazzling. The felicitous translation of traditional and modern sources, the insightful commentary and questions, the moving poetry, the aesthetically evocative depth of the art, and the beautiful and accessible layout of the text all combine to make this Haggadah a genuine treasure that will enrich Passover and the experience of the seder for this generation of religious seekers. We are all indebted to the CCAR for making this publication possible."
-Rabbi David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion

"Finally, a Haggadah that is gorgeous, creative, serious, egalitarian, poetic, and inspiring! With so many layers of meaning and beauty, this new liturgy for the seder will nourish the skeptics, the seekers, and the scholars in your midst. This is the Haggadah my family and yours have been waiting for."
-Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism

"Mishkan HaSeder is a gorgeous new Haggadah, with powerful feminist commentary that illuminates the moral and ethical underpinnings of the Passover seder and opens new doors of understanding, as well as inspiring poetry that deepens the experience. This is the new gold standard for every seder table."
-Sheila Katz, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women

"From poetry that lifts the heart to colorful artwork that deepens our vision, from the Talmud's wisdom to the insights of contemporary Jewish teachers, from ancient practice to the urgent call for justice in our own day, Mishkan HaSeder will enrich the Passover seder for experienced participants and newcomers alike. Like the seder itself, this new Haggadah is a gathering, a blessing, a feast."
-Rabbi David Stern, Senior Rabbi, Temple Emanu-El Dallas and Past President, Central Conference of American Rabbis

"This is the Haggadah you have to own. An amazing weaving together of the service we all know, in Hebrew and English, with astounding works of art--poems from many different sources, exceptional page design, and beautiful, meditative color images by the brilliant Tobi Kahn--and with thoughtful commentary that explicates the tradition and orients us to the work yet to be done. There are many Haggadot with various themes, but this is one for the ages, allowing each user to pull out favorite poems, highlight specific directives, open up thoughtful seder table discussions, and become truly immersed in the holiday."
-Ruth Messinger, Global Ambassador and Past President, American Jewish World Service

"If you thought there was no new lens that might expand the aperture of our liberation story, think again. Person, Greenbaum and Kahn have collaborated to create a masterful Haggadah for this moment and for all time. A weaving of liturgy, poetry, and artistry, this vibrant volume feels not only refreshing but also refocusing--on why the narrative matters, how it speaks to us, how it lives in us, and what it asks of us. I'm ordering thirty-five copies for my family seder."
-Abigail Pogrebin, author of My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew

"There is plenty of thought-provoking commentary throughout and a number of beautiful, evocative pieces of art by sculptor and painter Tobi Kahn. The poetry, the artwork, the translation, the commentary -- all work together to create the only haggadah I've ever described as serene." - David A. M. Wilensky, The Jewish News of Northern California

"The most significant new mainstream Haggadah is CCAR Press's Mishkan HaSeder: A Passover Haggadah, lead-edited by Rabbi Hara E. Person and Jessica Greenbaum. Mishkan combines a clear rendition of the traditional liturgy with a wonderful collection of mostly-contemporary poetry accompanying each section. For those who like (or are used to) the traditional Haggadah text but are interested in supplementing it with more contemporary words and sentiments, Mishkan is an excellent choice." - Jay Michaelson, The Forward

"It is natural and genius to illuminate the Haggadah's questions and metaphors with poetry. The result is one of the most moving Haggadot that I have read. Greenbaum and Person have elevated the familiar and cast new light on a story that has been retold for generations. Their work around the foundational story of the Jewish people enables readers to fulfill the commandment of experiencing the Exodus personally and meaningfully." - Judy Bolton-Fasman, JewishBoston

"The interplay between poetry and liturgy is heightened by the artist Tobi Kahn. The traditional liturgy of the Haggadah is adapted, expanded, and interpreted for a modern audience to build a closer connection and deeper understanding to the themes of Passover. The text also offers a guided experience for participants, opening the opportunity for greater interactivity and collaboration. Mishkan HaSeder is beautifully crafted and visually appealing." - Jonathan Fass, Jewish Book Council

"Mishkan Haseder is an excellent resource that should be read in advance of the Seder because it contains too much information to absorb in one sitting. The poetry and commentary need to be read and reread in order to receive the most benefit and in order to appreciate and enjoy its unique connection to Passover. The book is greatly enhanced by the many imaginative and colorful abstract illustrations, commissioned especially for this Haggadah, and created by the well-respected artist Tobi Kahn." - Ilka Gordon, Association of Jewish Libraries