The most recommended passover books

Who picked these books? Meet our 9 experts.

9 authors created a book list connected to passover, and here are their favorite passover books.
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Book cover of The Carp in the Bathtub

Caryn Yacowitz Author Of Shoshi's Shabbat

From my list on Jewish children’s picture stories to read aloud.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was young, my father made up stories to tell me, my brother, and my sister each night. One of my favorites was an ongoing series entitled The Lady with the Big Toe. The Lady and her Toe enjoyed daring adventures but the best part was hearing my dad’s voice, being near him and my siblings. I’m not great at making up stories on the spot but because of my study of Jewish texts, languages, and traditions, I knew I wanted to share story-telling and Jewish culture with my own children and grandchildren. Picture books, which are meant to be read aloud, are a magical vehicle for culture/values. 

Caryn's book list on Jewish children’s picture stories to read aloud

Caryn Yacowitz Why did Caryn love this book?

A classic, The Carp in the Bath Tub, became one of my favorite books over fifty years ago. It speaks to me of the deep compassion children have for animals and how tradition/society is often in conflict with young sensibilities. I feel this book is not only good, but important, for it deals with big issues in a seemingly simple story.

Cohen writes the story as memoir, telling of her youth in New York in the 1930s and how she and her brother try to save the life of the carp that her mother buys a week before Passover, keeping it alive in the family bathtub, as was the tradition, in order to cook gefilte fish. She relates the realistic outcome without moralizing. That’s another reason I love this book. Today’s children and parents would have much to enjoy and much to discuss in reading “Carp”.

By Barbara Cohen, Joan Halpern (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Carp in the Bathtub as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

Two children try to rescue the carp their mother plans to make into gefilte fish for the Seder


Book cover of The Union Haggadah: Home Service for the Passover

Stuart Leven Author Of The Passover Story Haggadah: A New Narrative for a Modern Seder

From my list on Passover Haggadahs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have led many seders using a traditional Haggadah. We would just recite the Haggadah at the seder and put the books away until Passover of the following year. And then one year, after Passover, I read the Haggadah in earnest. I realized that the traditional Haggadah didn’t tell the Passover story very well, that big chunks of the story were missing, that much of the time we had no understanding of what we were reading, and that, for literally decades, we had been doing a rote recitation with little meaning. It was because of that realization that I decided to write my Haggadah.

Stuart's book list on Passover Haggadahs

Stuart Leven Why did Stuart love this book?

The Union Haggadah of 1923 was the Haggadah of the American Reform movement. It’s non-traditional. Traditional Haggadahs tell the Passover story by analyzing Deuteronomy 26:5-8 homiletically, word by word or phrase by phrase, which makes for a choppy presentation. And some of the analysis is obscure. The Union Haggadah just quotes the bible in a narrative format, similar to what I have done in my book. In addition, there is an informative discussion of the origins of the Passover holiday that would be considered heresy among Jews who are not in the Reform movement. Since I was not raised Reform, I didn’t know of this important idea until late in my life, and when I did learn it, it made total sense.   

By Central Conference of American Rabbis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Union Haggadah as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Excerpt from The Union Haggadah: Home Service for the Passover

The assignment to the child Of a prominent part in the Seder service is in consonance with the biblical ordinance: And thou shalt tell thy son in that day (ex. 'xiii: The visible symbols, the living word Of instruction, and the ceremonial acts, are sure to stimulate religious feeling. Parent and child are thus brought into a union of warm religious sympathy, which is all the more indissoluble because strengthened by the ties of natural affection. Their souls are fired with the love of liberty, and their hearts are roused…


Book cover of The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread: Revealing the Power of the Blood of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation

John Pasquet Author Of The Essence: A Guided Journey of Discovery through the Bible

From my list on helping you truly understand the Bible from beginning to end.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about helping people see the incredible beauty of God’s unfolding plan of redemption and restoration that unfolds in the pages of the Bible. In the Old Testament, this plan is hidden in mystery and symbolism. But then in the New Testament, this great mystery is unveiled in all its glory, and the symbolism emerges from the shadows and steps into the light! For the past 15+ years, it has been my great honor to read the Bible with people for their very first time and help them watch this great mystery unfold. These books do that very same thing!

John's book list on helping you truly understand the Bible from beginning to end

John Pasquet Why did John love this book?

I found it very difficult to put this book down!

The author takes you on a journey of discovery through the Scriptures from beginning to end, focusing on the scarlet thread that runs through the whole story. The book is a very quick read, filled with incredible insights and symbolism that unveils the Bible’s central message in all its beauty.

This is also recommended for anyone, regardless of their knowledge of the Bible.

By Richard Booker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Every Story is About Him

A single, scarlet thread runs through the entire Bible, weaving a beautiful garment of salvation from Genesis to Revelation. This thread shows how the Old and New Testament fit together to tell one complete story.

This sacred thread is the blood covenant Jesus made with God for you.

Uncover the miraculous story of Jesus’ sacrifice, as it is powerfully and prophetically woven through the Scriptures beginning with the covenant rituals, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses and the prophets.

With three powerful new chapters, this expanded edition of the classic bestseller, The Miracle of the Scarlet…


Book cover of Passover Haggada

Stuart Leven Author Of The Passover Story Haggadah: A New Narrative for a Modern Seder

From my list on Passover Haggadahs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have led many seders using a traditional Haggadah. We would just recite the Haggadah at the seder and put the books away until Passover of the following year. And then one year, after Passover, I read the Haggadah in earnest. I realized that the traditional Haggadah didn’t tell the Passover story very well, that big chunks of the story were missing, that much of the time we had no understanding of what we were reading, and that, for literally decades, we had been doing a rote recitation with little meaning. It was because of that realization that I decided to write my Haggadah.

Stuart's book list on Passover Haggadahs

Stuart Leven Why did Stuart love this book?

The Steinsaltz Haggadah is a traditional Haggadah with a traditional translation, but what makes it shine are the explanations. The traditional Haggadah is in many respects a difficult book – much of it is hard to understand as is. Rabbi Steinsaltz provides explanations that bring some degree of clarity to these difficult passages. In addition, Rabbi Steinsaltz provides marvelous explanations of the Psalms of Praise recited at the seder and on Jewish holidays. I’ve recited these psalms many times over many years, and Rabbi Steinsaltz explains them in a way that I’ve never seen. When I study Talmud, I use the Steinsaltz translation, because in both the Talmud and the Haggadah, the explanations are spectacularly clear.

By Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Passover Haggada as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this user-friendly Haggada, Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz employs his renowned pedagogical skill and insight to explain the texts and rituals of the Seder night, their background and inner meaning. Divided into a clear, concise commentary and thought-provoking expansions, this is a Seder user's manual you have been waiting for.


Book cover of The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah

Caryn Yacowitz Author Of Shoshi's Shabbat

From my list on Jewish children’s picture stories to read aloud.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was young, my father made up stories to tell me, my brother, and my sister each night. One of my favorites was an ongoing series entitled The Lady with the Big Toe. The Lady and her Toe enjoyed daring adventures but the best part was hearing my dad’s voice, being near him and my siblings. I’m not great at making up stories on the spot but because of my study of Jewish texts, languages, and traditions, I knew I wanted to share story-telling and Jewish culture with my own children and grandchildren. Picture books, which are meant to be read aloud, are a magical vehicle for culture/values. 

Caryn's book list on Jewish children’s picture stories to read aloud

Caryn Yacowitz Why did Caryn love this book?

I love stories peppered with Yiddish. Youngsters should know “schlep” and “chutzpah,” Right? And clever riffs on traditional tales are another favorite. Hence The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah immediately became my Passover must-read-to-the grandchild-choice. I also love to laugh and there are plenty of giggles in this book.

When Sheep, Horse, and Dog don’t help the Little Red Hen prepare for the holiday she finally gets upset but then, ever aware of the mitzvah of feeding the hungry, she gives in and invites all of them to her seder table. I must admit that after many years of preparing seders and also leading them, I’ve often felt like the Little Red Hen. “Hey, where are the helping hands here?” And, like her, I’m glad when everyone sits down to celebrate together.

By Leslie Kimmelman, Paul Meisel (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

A classic tale gets a Jewish twist, when Little Red Hen asks her friends for help making Passover matzah. 

Before she knows it, Little Red Hen tells herself, it will be time for Passover. So she decides to plant some grain.  But when she asks her friends to help, they're too busy for her.  "Sorry, bub," says the Horse.  "Think again," barks the dog. 

Oy gevalt!  "Friends, shmends," she says.  "I'll just do it myself."

But when the wheat is grown and harvested, when the flour is milled and the matzah baked and the Seder table set-- all by Red…


Book cover of The Scholar's Haggadah: Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and Oriental Versions

Stuart Leven Author Of The Passover Story Haggadah: A New Narrative for a Modern Seder

From my list on Passover Haggadahs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have led many seders using a traditional Haggadah. We would just recite the Haggadah at the seder and put the books away until Passover of the following year. And then one year, after Passover, I read the Haggadah in earnest. I realized that the traditional Haggadah didn’t tell the Passover story very well, that big chunks of the story were missing, that much of the time we had no understanding of what we were reading, and that, for literally decades, we had been doing a rote recitation with little meaning. It was because of that realization that I decided to write my Haggadah.

Stuart's book list on Passover Haggadahs

Stuart Leven Why did Stuart love this book?

The Scholar’s Haggadah provides Ashkenazik, Sephardic, and Yemenite versions of the Haggadah. The versions for the three groups are shown together for easy comparison. And then more than half of the book is devoted to the examination of these differences. This is a complete Haggadah, but it’s not really suitable for a seder. It is, primarily, an academic work. But it’s fascinating. I did not know, until I read The Scholar’s Haggadah, that the rituals and texts for seders are different between these groups. I used this in my book by including beautiful and highly relevant Yemenite Haggadah text that none of my readers will have ever seen. 

By Heinrich Guggenheimer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Scholar's Haggadah as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this unprecedented masterwork, The Scholar's Haggadah: Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and Oriental Versions, Heinrich Guggenheimer presents the first Haggadah to treat the texts of all Jewish groups on an equal footing and to use their divergences and concurrences as a key to the history of the text and an understanding of its development. The Seder (the ceremony of the Passover night) is one of the most universally celebrated rituals among Jewish families, for what it commemorates-Jewish freedom from bondage-is the glue that bonds all Jews together, traditional and modern, Ashkenazic and Sephardic alike. In the Book of Exodus the Jewish people…


Book cover of Passover Haggadah

Stuart Leven Author Of The Passover Story Haggadah: A New Narrative for a Modern Seder

From my list on Passover Haggadahs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have led many seders using a traditional Haggadah. We would just recite the Haggadah at the seder and put the books away until Passover of the following year. And then one year, after Passover, I read the Haggadah in earnest. I realized that the traditional Haggadah didn’t tell the Passover story very well, that big chunks of the story were missing, that much of the time we had no understanding of what we were reading, and that, for literally decades, we had been doing a rote recitation with little meaning. It was because of that realization that I decided to write my Haggadah.

Stuart's book list on Passover Haggadahs

Stuart Leven Why did Stuart love this book?

The venerable Goldberg Haggadah is a wonderful example of a traditional Haggadah. I led seders using it for many years. The translation is very accessible, easy for all participants to read. The book has a great cover, both front and back, which normally wouldn’t be important in a book recommendation, but there is something almost magical about this cover – it just gives the feeling that you’re going to have a wonderful seder. The interior is nicely designed, with clear delineation of paragraphs, lots of white space, attractive fonts in Hebrew and English, and simple but expressive illustrations, all of which are important for a book that will be recited out loud.

By Rabbi Nathan Goldberg,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Passover Haggadah as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Passover Haggadah: A New English Translation and Instructions for the Seder, New Revised Edition It includes the full text and translation, plus instructions, notes and an introduction. Convenient and ideal for groups.


Book cover of Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail

Kerry M. Olitzky Author Of A Whale of a Tale: A Sabbath Summer Solstice Story

From my list on kids reads that simplify complicated Jewish ideas.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a rabbi, educator and author. I have had the privilege of writing many books over the course of my rabbinate. Over the past five years, I have turned the attention of my writing to children’s books. And I am especially attuned to those books that take complicated Jewish ideas and tell them in words and pictures that young children can understand. I try to do this in my own writing, as well. 

Kerry's book list on kids reads that simplify complicated Jewish ideas

Kerry M. Olitzky Why did Kerry love this book?

I love Elijah stories, especially those that emerge from Eastern European tradition. But I also realize that such stories do not always speak to post-modern kids.

This particular story appeals to me specifically because it takes the underlying nature of Elijah stories—and those that are connected to the Passover seder ritual—and turns it into a totally accessible and sweet story. 

Jewish tradition teaches that we never know where Elijah may be hiding. Thus, we are instructed to show kindness to all—for it is Elijah who will herald in the messianic era—a time of peace.

By Leslea Newman, Susan Gal (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Welcoming Elijah as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 5, 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the National Jewish Book Award, Welcoming Elijah by celebrated author Lesléa Newman, unites a young boy and a stray kitten in a warm, lyrical story about Passover, family, and friendship.

Inside, a boy and his family sit around the dinner table to embrace the many traditions of their Passover Seder around the dinner table. Outside, a cat wonders, hungry and alone. When it's time for the symbolic Passover custom of opening the family's front door for the prophet Elijah, both the boy and the cat are in for a remarkable surprise.


Book cover of We Tell It to Our Children: The Story of Passover

Ron Isaacs Author Of Seder in Motion: A Haggadah to Move Body and Soul

From my list on Haggadahs for a meaningful Passover Seder.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a Conservative Rabbi who served Temple Sholom in Bridgewater NJ from 1975-2015. I'm currently the Rabbi of Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood New Jersey. I've always been intrigued with the Haggadah and its origins, and for almost 50 years I've hosted the Passover seders at my home. I always wanted to search for just the right Haggadah that I could use to make the experience fun and participatory for all. Because of my passion for wanting to give participants at my seder a positive experience, I decided to write my own Haggadah, I've written several including Seder in Motion: A Haggadah to Move Body and Soul coauthored with my wife Leora Isaacs.

Ron's book list on Haggadahs for a meaningful Passover Seder

Ron Isaacs Why did Ron love this book?

This Haggadah is a Haggadah that is ideal when there are younger children at the seder. What makes the Haggadah unique are its puppets (included with the book) which need to be prepared and assembled prior to the seder. Many parts of the seder are set up as a script of a play, where parts can be given out to read. There are also original fun songs to sing. When my children were younger, I used this Haggadah with enormous success, and still have the puppets which I hope to use now with my grandchildren!

By Mary Ann Wark,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked We Tell It to Our Children as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Book by Wark, Mary Ann