A Primer on Haggadah Aesthetics
The Passover Seder, Lee Schwimmer, 2020
HAVURAH’S CREATIVE DIRECTOR ON VISUAL DESIGN AS A MEDIUM FOR A MORE MEANINGFUL SEDER
In the past two decades, design has become increasingly more important for product-based companies, media outlets, and the general public. I can spend hours explaining why that is, but you most likely already have an idea. Chances are you bought the device you’re reading this article on because you gravitated towards its design. You may have even decided to read this article because of our visual communications.
In religious practice, the primary focus is often placed on function over form, on action over experience. This is acutely true in Judaism, a faith deeply rooted in ritual practice. Historically, Rabbis and Jewish artists have sought to bridge this experiential divide by creating engaging materials that enhance spiritual intention, or Kavanah.
For centuries musicians have composed our Niggunim, architects built our sanctuaries, and designers have created our Haggadot.
The Haggada provides a particularly vibrant canvas for this interplay between form and function. Beyond simply visually communicating the story of Exodus, Designers have the extra ability to play with the function itself. By approaching each blessing, world, and letter with a sense of visual freedom, good design does not just accompany the ritual; it enhances it, deepening the connection between the recited words and the lived experience of those participating in the Seder.
Here’s some of my favorite Haggaadot that employ this underutilized power of design as a framework for deeper Seder contemplations.
Dan Reisinger’s Feast of Freedom Haggadah
Thank you to my friend Racheli for gifting me a copy of this seminal work. If you think you don’t know Dan Reisinger, the father of Israeli Graphic Design, you probably do. He’s famous for his iconic El-Al poster designs of the 1970s. His Haggadah, a work of papercut illustration with modernist tendencies, employs design as a visual communicator for everything from freedom to the split of the sea.
The Ben Shahn Haggadah
Ben Shahn's Haggadah (1965) is an iconic, yet hard to come by, graphic interpretation of the Pesach story that draws on his infamous and distinct style as a social realist painter. Shahn's illustrations are characterized by their stark and bold lines, capturing the drama and emotion of the Exodus story. His Haggadah is notable for its use of text as a design element, interweaving the Hebrew and English scripts and in turn, creating a textual-visual rhythm throughout the book. Highly recommend this for anyone who wants to get lost in illustrations during the seder.
The Whitney Archives
Haggadah Revisited - Judaica Standard Time
Judaica Standard Time continues to redefine what a modern Seder looks like. Designed for the contemporary observer—where attention spans are short and the excitement high—this latest edition enhances the Passover experience. Expanding on its predecessors, it includes more of the beloved Passover traditions like the Four Questions and the search for the Afikomen. Ruby Zuckerman's updated text and James Anderson's innovative design introduce a chic retro-future aesthetic to the narration. This edition is printed on premium French Paper using a Risograph, ensuring a tactile delight that complements the visual feast. Anderson’s design work is sure to keep you as engaged as possible, with their fresh take on the traditional Haggadah look.
The Yaakov Agam Haggadah
Yaakov Agam’s Haggadah (1974) remains a revolutionary masterpiece in the world of Jewish art and design. Agam, a pioneer of kinetic art, crafts a Haggadah where each page offers a unique, interactive experience. Designed to be viewed from multiple perspectives, this Haggadah includes hidden images and optical illusions that unfold as the reader alters their viewing angle. Agam’s work vividly demonstrates how dynamic visual design can breathe life into traditional texts, turning the Passover story into an engaging, multi-dimensional journey that captivates and inspires all who partake in its reading.
Asufa’s Haggadah
Each year, the Asufa Haggadah brings together a unique blend of creativity and tradition, and this year's edition is no exception. Featuring the collaborative work of 44 talented Israeli artists—both emerging talents and seasoned veterans—this Haggadah turns each page into a gallery of diverse artistic interpretations. From hand-drawn sketches to digital masterpieces, each artist infuses their assigned passage with personal style and insight, offering a refreshing take on the traditional Passover narrative. This beautifully designed Haggadah is more than just a book; it's a conversation starter and a collector's item.
Arthur Szyk’s Haggadah
A Timeless Classic of Jewish Art. Arthur Szyk, a renowned artist known for his intricate and profound illustrations, presents a masterful rendition of the Passover story in this celebrated Haggadah. Drawing inspiration from the medieval tradition of illuminated manuscripts, Szyk's work is a meticulous exploration of the Exodus narrative, highlighted by his exceptional attention to detail and a poignant focus on the human aspects of the story.
Each page of this Haggadah is a visual feast, filled with elaborate illustrations that not only adorn the text but also deepen the reader's engagement with the Pesach rituals. Szyk’s ability to blend historical accuracy with artistic elegance has earned this Haggadah a revered place in the annals of Jewish art. It is widely acclaimed not just for its aesthetic brilliance but also for its intricate portrayal of the richness and complexity of the Pesach narrative, making it an essential heirloom that transcends generations.
The Maisel Maxwell House Haggadah
Step back into the 1950s with this distinctive Haggadah that expertly blends the classic aesthetics of past Maxwell House editions with the exuberant flair of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." This edition reverently nods to its predecessors while celebrating the brand’s spirited contribution to Jewish Americana.
Crafted with beloved design elements and iconic character imagery from earlier Maxwell House Haggadot, this version proudly carries forward a familial legacy deeply embedded in the Pesach observance. The Haggadah features vintage-style illustrations that echo the mid-century modern vibe, integrated seamlessly with dialogue and scenes from the series, enriching the Seder with layers of cultural nostalgia and contemporary zest.
A perfect meld of tradition and whimsy, this Haggadah not only fulfills the mitzvah of recounting the Exodus but also acts as a vibrant homage to Jewish life in mid-20th century America. It is an ideal choice for those who cherish historical depth and a touch of humor in their Pesach rituals, promising to bring both heritage and personality to your festive table.
