Chronicle poll results: Seder themes
We asked our readers if the seder they attend blends in present-day themes and concerns, or adheres closely to the traditional Haggadah. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “Does the seder you attend blend in present-day themes and concerns, or does it adhere closely to the traditional Haggadah?” Of the 154 people who responded, 54% said they blend in present-day themes and concerns, and 46% said they adhere closely to the traditional Haggadah. Comments were submitted by 24 people. A few follow.
It’s too controversial in our multigenerational family seder to discuss contemporary political issues. We want to enjoy being together, not argue.
We adhere to the Haggadah curated by Rabbi Maxwell House in 1932 (5692).
Even though my father-in-law is 88, he still runs the seder with aplomb. In spite of his age, he does allow input from the younger attendees, so our Pesach observance each year does include some timely and topical additions.
Not only does our seder incorporate some “issues of the day,” but it fortunately has evolved to be far shorter than I recall enduring as a child!
Freedom — and how we achieve and sustain it — is such a timeless topic. And, given our current environment with an obscene wealth gap that is only growing along with a wannabe Pharoah, the themes of Pesach couldn’t be more relevant.
It’s important to maintain our lovely history the way our ancestors did it.
We usually invite more non-Jews than Jews to our seder, so I want them to have a more traditional experience.
No matter the theme, no matter the attendees, no matter the venue: Every seder is always a poignant reminder of “They tried to kill us; we survived; let’s eat!”
Keeping to the traditional order, my family constantly adds current themes and concerns. We have not had children at our seders for many years now. So it is important to keep our young adults involved.
The whole point of Passover is to tell the story of our freedom and to remember that liberation is a collective endeavor. To me, the seder would be a missed opportunity without bringing in modern themes.
I attend several different family’s seders, each with different traditions and levels of adherence. Some services are long and some are abbreviated. Remember to eat before you attend the “all-nighters!” PJC
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