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Haggadah

Haggadah

The Haggadah tells the story of Passover and is the most published book of Jewish liturgy. Before the invention of the printing press, some Jews would hire artists to illuminate their Haggadahs. Haggadahs are read during the seder for their delineation of rituals and for their educational value. Retelling the story of Passover is considered to be honourable in the Jewish religion, and it is highly important that children learn it. And so, Haggadahs accommodate to the nature of children in their content, room for participation, use of song, and illustration.

Pictures of illustrations from this Haggadah

This particular illuminated Haggadah is probably of Ashkenazi decent considering that the text is bordered by illustrations and it includes full-page illustrations. It appears to be identical to the Darmastadt Haggadah, which includes two full page miniatures. The Darmastadt Haggadah was copied in 1430 by Israel B. Meir in square writing. The Darmastadt Haggadah was reproduced in 1927. The borders of this Haggadah consist of swirling designs, images included are mainly of teachers. Like other illuminated Haggadahs, this one depicts biblical scenes and ritual acts, many of which relate to the Passover holiday some not.

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