There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of versions of the Haggadah, and almost all include the same blessings, prayers, songs and rituals. Yet each version of the Haggadah is unique. Some stick to traditional rabbinic commentaries while others are infused with humor, cater to children or focus on how the Israelites’ yearning for freedom and equality relates to contemporary themes like feminism and social justice. Most are richly illustrated, each in their own way, to tell the story—and maybe also inadvertently to keep your attention. What’s great about Passover is that everyone can choose the Haggadah–and supplemental materials–that resonate with them. There’s an almost endless supply of old and new Haggadahs to choose from, some inspired by your favorite TV shows, and others that cater to kids. Here are a few of the best Haggadahs available online to help you celebrate Pesach.
11 best Haggadahs online
1. The best user-friendly traditional Haggadah
The Chabad movement is renowned for its outreach to religious and secular Jews alike, so it’s no surprise that The Chabad Haggadah presents the traditional seder service in a printable format that’s truly fun, lively and easy-to-read. With chapters like The Chametz Search-and-Destroy Mission, how can you go wrong?
2. A social justice Haggadah
Created by the American Jewish World Service, the printable Next Year in a Just World Haggadah asks seder-goers to connect the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt and journey to freedom to 21st-century issues like poverty, genocide, the persecution of minorities and violence against women. AJWS also offers a useful seder conversation starter.
3. The Maxwell House Haggadah
4. The best kid-friendly Haggadah
Kids are an integral part of the seder, so PJ Library has created the interactive Family Haggadah, which will make any family seder fun and enlightening for children thanks to print and video versions of songs, blessings and explanations. If your younger kids don’t have the patience to sit through the actual seder, consider feeding them early while reciting the 15-minute Family Haggadah.
5. A poetic Haggadah
Looking for a contemporary liberal Haggadah with a poetic bent? Published by the Reform movement’s Central Conference of American Rabbis, Mishkan HaSeder views the traditional Passover seder rituals through the lens of Jewish egalitarianism, feminism and social justice. It features the poetry of Emma Lazarus, Lucille Clifton, Yehuda Amichai and Adrienne Rich, among many others. It’s available in print and as an e-book.
6. The best Haggadah for short seders
Anyone who’s ever been to a seder knows it can be a lo-o-o-n-g night. For those who like their seders brief and to the point, The 30-Minute Seder Haggadah could be what you’re looking for. Billed as “refreshingly brief and fun, yet reverent,” this Haggadah offers Hebrew prayers with English transliteration. It’s available as a book and downloadable versions.
7. The Haggadah as a graphic novel
If you or your kids get fidgety at the seder table, The Passover Haggadah Graphic Novel will keep you awake and entertained. It’s a first-rate collaboration between Batman comics creator/Jewish cartoonist Jordan B “Gorf” Gorfinkel and artist Erez Zadok. The Jewish Book Council called this Haggadah “a thoroughly different way” to enjoy the seder. It’s available to order in book form.
8. The most thorough Haggadah
If you enjoy a lot of discussion during your seder, the Jonathan Sacks Haggada is an excellent starting point. Considered one of the greatest modern Orthodox rabbis and thinkers of his generation, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ sophisticated yet accessible essays spur a deeper analysis of the Haggadah’s rich texts and history.
9. Pop culture-inspired Haggadahs
Perhaps the popularity of Haggadahs inspired by TV shows, books and movies stems from the enjoyment of being with good friends or family (even online)–or from the four cups of wine seder participants are instructed to drink over the course of the evening. Whatever the reason, if you like your seders offbeat yet respectful, you might want to check out The Haggadah About Nothing: The (Unofficial) Seinfeld Haggadah, by Rabbi Sam Reinstein, and The (unofficial) Hogwarts Haggadah, by Rabbi Moshe Rosenberg. What do Seinfeld and the Harry Potter books and films have in common with the Passover seder? You’ll find out.
10. Create-Your-Own Haggadah
If you’d like to customize your own Haggadah, haggadot.com offers free downloadable templates and a mind-boggling assortment of readings, types of artwork and videos to incorporate. For a truly personal touch, add your own original content and ask your seder guests to do the same–before the seder, of course.
11. The best Haggadah for a Zoom seder
If, like many, the pandemic is keeping you home this year, invite family and friends to celebrate the seder with you online. While it’s sometimes preferable for everyone to use the same Haggadah, sharing a brisket recipe from Mrs. Maisel, a commentary by Rabbi Sacks and a discussion on refugees inspired by the AJWS Haggadah can make for a memorable, one-of-a-kind seder. Speaking of COVID-19, the printable Corona Haggadah Supplement by Rabbi Nachi Klein offers timely insights into the pandemic and faith. Among the questions it ponders: “Ten years from now, if someone were to ask you what kept your faith strong during these times, what would you answer them?” However and wherever you celebrate Passover this year, there’s a Haggadah to inspire you. Next, find out how to watch the iconic Rugrats Passover episode.
