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The Modern Twist on a Timeless Tradition: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Haggadah
The Haggadah serves as a vital religious text that guides the Passover Seder, capturing the essence of the Jewish experience of liberation from slavery in Egypt. Through a combination of song, symbolic foods, and the Seder meal, it narrates this significant story for generations of Jews. This year, a fresh interpretation is taking shape as two music enthusiasts introduce a contemporary flair with The Rock ‘n’ Roll Haggadah (Simon Element, available now). Written by Meredith Ochs and illustrated by Kay Miller, this adaptation not only incorporates essential blessings, prayers, and historical context but also draws parallels between the Seder and current musical icons like Jack Black and the band Haim, complete with a curated playlist.
In a conversation with PW, Ochs and Miller discussed their motivation behind modernizing the Haggadah, explored connections between the Seder and influential musicians from Lou Reed to Taylor Swift, and shared insights into their unique vision.
Musical Roots in Family Tradition
Reflecting on their early experiences, Ochs highlighted the role of music during her Seders while growing up. “My parents placed great importance on holiday celebrations, making our Seders lively occasions,” she shared. “As we grew older, my siblings and I began blending traditional elements with contemporary genres—think hip hop, reggae, rock, and pop—creating our versions of classic songs from artists like AC/DC, Bob Marley, and Run DMC.”
Innovative Celebrations of Tradition
When discussing how to invigorate iconic moments of the Passover Seder, Miller mentioned unique customs from Persian and Afghan Jewish traditions. “One playful ritual involves swatting each other with scallions, mimicking the overseers of ancient Egypt while singing Dayenu,” she noted. “In our book, we suggest pairing this with Devo’s Whip It for a lively dance break, and just before the Four Questions section, we feature an illustration of Harry Styles, who humorously admitted that asking those questions made him nervous, offering young readers the reassurance that such feelings are normal.”
Connecting through Music
Ochs and Miller’s playlist also encapsulates deeper thematic elements. “Many songs reflect themes of mystery and the ineffable, especially spiritually resonant tracks like Let the Mystery Be by Iris Dement and Divine Intervention by Matthew Sweet,” Miller elaborated. “These selections illuminate that which lies beyond our logical understanding—an exploration of faith and spirituality in our lives.”
A Tailored Experience for Everyone
Their approach to the Haggadah aims to create a shared yet individualized experience at the Seder table. Ochs explained, “For instance, with the reading of the Hallel, which can be quite extensive, we provide alternatives. Readers can choose to engage with our sidebars, like the one dedicated to Leonard Cohen. It hints at his yoga practice during a Seder while delving into his profound spiritual journey, including studying Lurianic Kabbalah with his rabbi, showing how these explorations influenced his music.”
With The Rock ‘n’ Roll Haggadah, Ochs and Miller invite readers to not only celebrate a critical Jewish holiday but to also experience it through the lens of modern music, bridging past traditions with today’s cultural landscape.
Source
www.publishersweekly.com