The History of the Passover Haggadah

Adventures in Jewish Studies Podcast

The Passover Haggadah is among the most popular and fascinating texts in the Jewish liturgy. There's a Haggadah for every for sensibility and persuasion, from those steeped in orthodox tradition to seder celebrants wanting to craft a ritual reflecting modern times. But where did the Haggadah come from? Why do we ask four questions? What's the origin of the wise, wicked, simple, and too-young-to-ask children? What about Dayenu, Hag Gad Ya, and other favorite Passover songs? In this episode, guests Ruth Langer and Vanessa Ochs and host Jeremy Shere explore the origins and evolution of the Haggadah, from the final decades of the Second Temple, through the Middle Ages, and up through modern times. As they explore this incredible history, they reveal how, when, and why the Haggadah was brought to life and why it's continued to remain such an evocative and supple book.