Collage Haggadah

Why is this night different from all other nights of the year? Because the Collage Haggadah is in your hands and ready to lead you through a memorable Passover seder. London based American artist, Emily Marbach, weaves her imagination through the story of the Exodus and the rituals of Pesach. From her religious upbringing and familiarity with the Torah and its commentary, to her visual engagement with Rabbi Akiva, Moses, Miriam and Elijah the Prophet, Emily's knowledge and deep understanding of her subject is clear. Nearly every pair of pages is adorned with an original analog collage. Beautifully designed by Rachel Jackson, the Haggadah is a pleasure to use because of the carefully chosen palette and easy to read fonts.

Emily Marbach's new English translation of the complete Hebrew text uses inclusive language leaving Hashem gender neutral as well as the anonymous angels and seraphs. The foremothers are mentioned not only in the song "Who Knows One?" But besides that, the translation endeavors to deliver the words without the antiquated baggage of "thees and thous" to enable the participant to clearly see what the text is trying to convey. A collaged collection of commentaries are dotted around, available to anyone who hasn't done their homework but wants to make a remark or open a parallel discussion.

The Collage Haggadah not only serves a ritualistic purpose, it can fulfill an artistic need as well. It is an artist's journey of one of the oldest expeditions ever recorded. It is a collection of collages on a series of related themes that make up a cohesive exhibition.

Let this Haggadah begin your gathering, add to your stack or complete your collection. Let's hope that we can all have a plague-free Passover this year and in years to come.