Explore themes of nature and the land within the Passover seder. From the unassuming matzah that reveals the simplicity of earth, wheat, and water, to the first fruits of the soil that the Israelites offered in gratitude, the earth has always been at the center of who we are as a people. Passover marks the Jewish people's liberation from slavery in Egypt and the coming of spring. Yet it is also a story about land and the natural world. All our biblical holidays - Passover included - originally commemorated the agrarian and pastoral soil of of which Judaism grew. This haggadah keeps the earth at the forefront of our minds. In addition to all the traditional blessings and rituals, it includes sidebars and other features that uncover the connections between the seder and the land. For instance, karpas symbolizes the vibrant, verdant energy of spring, and reminds us that, like plants, we are born of the earth. Dayeinu is seen as a commentary on appreciating what we have and avoiding waste and overconsumption. Stunning artwork enhances the moods and themes of the seder in warm tones that are at once vibrant and earthy. " A marvelous new contribution in an ecological vein . . .a haggadah in the spirit of Abraham Joshua Heschel " --Rabbi Jonathon Seidel, PhD, spiritual leader of Or haGan, Eugene Oregon

Rabbi Cardin--writing as a religious leader, friend, neighbor, wife, mother, and daughter--guides us toward a fuller understanding of Judaism. She invites us to become weavers of tradition; to knit our personal stories together with those of our ancestors and our community; and to honor, savor, and celebrate the sacred in our lives. This important addition to the Jewish family library presents detailed explanations of each ritual, along with historical, cultural, and scriptural background. By describing traditional rites as well as contemporary innovations--the Passover seder and Miriam's Cup, baby-naming ceremonies and the practice of wrapping the newborn in a tallit--Rabbi Cardin shows how we can honor and add to our tradition. Supplementary margin notes offer: Examples of ethical wills Personal anecdotes Rabbinic stories, folk tales, and poetry Tips on addressing the December Dilemma Enhancing the volume are exquisite drawings by Ilene Winn-Lederer, a mini-prayerbook of blessings for home observance, and a 20-year calendar of Jewish holidays. Rabbi Cardin invites us to record details of our observance in Personal Weavings--favorite holiday recipes, family rituals, and prayers of the heart--so that the Jewish tradition may be renewed and enriched. The Tapestry of Jewish Time reflects a profound spirituality that inspires us all to contribute to the lush weave of Jewish life.