We have a new contribution to Passover this year from Morris Eson, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the State University of New York at Albany and long-time member of Temple Israel in Albany. Together with Devora Heckelman, a member of the United Synagogue Commission on Education and con to several Solomon Schecter Day Schools, and Fay Silton, Education Director at Temple Israel, Morris Eson has produced a valuable pedagogical tool designed not only to enliven th Passover seder but to serve as a supplementary text for middle school and secondary school students in their study of the Book of Exodus.
The Haggadah contains all the basic elements of the traditional Passover service plus valuable commentary and historical information based on the writings of Judaic scholars and Eson's own reflections. According to the author, many of the segments are designed to be read aloud by participants, serving to maintain a high level of interest. He notes also that the commentary draws from a wide variety of sources - historical, scientific, literary, as well as from his own imagination.
Besides offering helpful explanations of the origins of Passover rituals, the new Haggadah provides many opportunities for children and youth to participate. Notes throughout the text are drawn from both ancient and modern sources, serving as a bridge between the different generations at the Seder table as well as a bride from the present to the past. The author also includes suggestions of discussion topics to enhance conversions during the meal (e.g. "Our people's Fascination, with Language.). Mixing the traditional with the innovative, this Haggadah will appeal to those looking for a Passover study experience.

Despite trying new haggadahs, it's always been difficult to have two seders every year be continually interesting and a new learning experience for our children, ourselves, and our guests. It also becomes expensive to buy new sets of haggadahs. So it was a wonderful find to discover A PASSOVER HAGGADAH FOR ALL GENERATIONS - A MODERN MIDRASH. It keeps the traditional Hebrew while it brings new insights and commentaries for lively discussion. Dividing the commentaries into a four year cycle helps us viscerally understand that we continue to learn from the tradition, though our family has to be self-disciplined not to use all the commentaries in any given year. We also like the format, lots of white space and easy to read. This is a hagaddah to use and to keep using.

Eson's Haggadah is an excellent addition to this literary and religious tradition. He brings new insights and new explanations to this venerable literature. It is worth reading and using.