The Unorthodox Haggadah

Very unorthodox 4 stars When I started reading this, I didn’t like it. I thought it too irreverent for an occasion such as a Passover Seder. But as I continued reading, it grew on me. The story wasn’t just irreverent, it also made me think. Although some readers may find this book sorely lacking in gravitas, for the appropriate audience I think it is suitable for use during a Seder. I recommend this Haggadah for those people who want a thoughtful Seder without the dogma and certainly with less ritual.

Okay, this is definitely not your Jewish grandparent’s Haggadah. I mean, just look at these examples….

Upon drinking the first cup of wine: “This intentionally bourgeois beverage reminds us that we are here tonight to celebrate the fact that we are free, and not stuck in a factory making Air Jordans. We are free to live as kings and queens and transgendered royalty!”

When breaking the matzoh: “This year we are still slaves – next year, free people (depending on how the market goes).

Not to mention the proof that aliens really built the pyramids! And the Plague Bingo card. And the recipe for Weed Butter with which to make macaroons and matzo brie.

Yeah… so… Definitely funny. I mean seriously hilarious. I cracked up repeatedly while reading this. Not particularly kid-friendly, though. Not sure the line “Say this prayer, which means thanks for all the crap we have to deal with every damn day” is exactly what I want my kids to be reading at the Seder table. Nor do I want them to be reading “A F*#%ING RIVER OF BLOOD” and I don’t particularly relish the idea of explaining what a shank is (as opposed to a shank bone, I mean). Although the recipe for “non-gross gefilte fish” looks pretty good!

Point is that I loved reading this. Funny, irreverent, but still true to the Seder. If you’ve got children or if you want a traditional Seder experience, this probably isn’t the Haggadah for you. But if you want to hold an innovative, bold, flippant, and definitely non-dogmatic Passover Seder – this definitely will make your night!

I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Written by an author who does not believe in God, but thinks it is "cool that some people do", this book is for "people who want to participate in weird rituals without the hassle of dogma." The book is funny and irreverent, includes proof from the internet that aliens built the pyramids and the newest Passover song, "I believe I can fly." I like this book because as Jews, we can laugh at ourselves and allow other people to laugh at us without going nuts and killing people. I received this book free to review from Netgalley and it made me laugh.