The Szyk Haggadah: The Story of the Exodus from Egypt and A Guide to the Seder

by Arthur Szyk, Irvin Ungar (Commentaries by), Byron L. Sherwin PhD (Translator)

Overview

This edition of The Szyk Haggadah—the first since 1940 to be reproduced from Arthur Szyk’s original art—boasts an original commissioned and extremely practical English text by Rabbi Byron L. Sherwin, ideal for use at any family Seder, and a special commentary section by Rabbi Sherwin and Irvin Ungar gives insight into both the rituals of the Seder and Szyk’s rich illustrations.

Arthur Szyk (pronounced “Shick”) created his magnificent Haggadah in Lodz, on the eve of the Nazi occupation of his native Poland. There is no Haggadah like it, before or since, filled with sumptuous paintings of Jewish heroes and stunning calligraphy.

Available in both hardcover and paperback editions, The Szyk Haggadah will transform the Seder, bringing the story of the Exodus from Egypt into a more contemporary light.

“Szyk’s Haggadah is still fabulous and fresh.” —Hadassah Magazine

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810997530
Publisher:	Abrams
Publication date:	03/15/2011
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Arthur Szyk (1884–1951) was known primarily as a political illustrator of the highest caliber. Eleanor Roosevelt once referred to him as a “one-man army,” and indeed, he saw himself as a “soldier in art.”

Byron L. Sherwin, a Jewish scholar and ethicist, has served on the faculty of the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies since 1970.

Irvin Ungar, an antiquarian bookseller and former rabbi, has championed the rediscovery of Szyk’s work. He lives in Burlingame, California.

Editorial Reviews

This edition of Szyk's Haggadah has been preceded by two others—the original 1940 edition and the Historican luxury limited edition of 300 issued in 2008, in which digital technology restored Szyk's stunningly beautiful illustrations to their original brilliance. Szyk was a renowned Polish Jewish artist who created his Haggadah in the 1930s during the rise of Nazi Germany. His visual commentary on the ancient telling of the exodus of the Jews from Egypt uses elaborate illustrations and Hebrew calligraphy to tell the Passover story. He drew parallels between the Nazis' genocidal tactics and the diabolical plans of the pharaoh in the biblical book of Exodus. When the Haggadah was originally published, the Times of London reviewer declared it "worthy to be placed among the most beautiful books the hands of man has produced." VERDICT Not only is this volume a beautiful addition to any Passover seder, but the very informative and accessible introductory commentary sections by Rabbi Ungar and translator Sherwin make it a useful addition to general public libraries, art libraries, and the collections of students of Jewish religion, culture, and art. Highly recommended.—Herbert E. Shapiro, formerly with Empire State Coll., SUNY, Rochester

Library Journal