Our Haggadah: Uniting Traditions for Interfaith Families

My husband and I have both been studying Hebrew and Judaism. We have not quite implemented a total ultra Conservative lifestyle, but are following the rules as we can learn them. SO reading Steve and Cokie's book has blessed us greatly, giving us the gentle forgiveness needed for going slowly, and as we can. Passover meant so much more to us this year, and this is the first time the computer has been on since then, and the first time I have written to anyone.Thank you Cokie and Steve, for such a beautiful book explaining so gently how you combined and melded your lives together. We have been married 20 years and are making this journey together and found your book a treasure of combining, mixing, blending, understanding the two religions....all coming from the one God, the God of Abraham, I do believe we will all get THERE in the end. I know my hubby and I will, with the blessing of this gentle sweet book. It will be my treasure for the rest of my life. And yes we have bought the books on Amazon, and will buy more as we go along, but this special book will be a resource forever.Their explanations bring in history and love at the same time. I recommend it for all spiritually minded folk, Jew and non, and especially interfaith families. I can see no more God-like way to bring a lifetime of joy to all. I never believed God wanted to beat love into us, and the Roberts have shone a way that paints word pictures showing one families journey of loving each other, family, friends,and above all our Lord God.

OUR HAGGADAH is a story of love---of an inclusive, all-encompassing and joyful love.We've all learned in different words and in different places that we must love ourself, our neighbor, and a Greater Being.In this little treasure of a book, diverse cultures, ages and faiths come together to celebrate and, in sharing a meal,this collection of people discover many shared beliefs and traditions. As the song says, "We are family."After reading the first two chapters, I bought the book for my adult children and friends.Subsequent chapters brought me to the table, to some new foods and traditions and to a better understanding of Judeo-Christian similarities.Cokie Roberts' love for her husband compelled her to research his roots and instill a pride in his heritage in him. With a light-hearted approach to an annual Passover meal, they've forged their own traditions. Their warm approach to their backgrounds and respect for Everyman provides invaluable lessons in history, culture and faith for all ages and religions.Perhaps the words to THE GRACE AFTER MEALS sum it all up: Blessed be God of whose bounty we have eaten and by whose goodness we live. May God bless this home, the people at the table, and all of our loved ones who are not here with us tonight. May God bring peace to all homes, all nations, and all faith traditions.

I enjoyed this book because Cokie shows how two people coming from two different religions can flourish in their love for each other because they respect each other and each other's family. So many people today are so fundamentalist in their religion that they close their eyes to the good things in other religions. By looking down on other religions and not trying to understand other people and their beliefs, they betray what their own religion is trying to tell them-that they should respect and care about all people. Cokie and Steve show us the wisdom of love and respect in a marriage and in all parts of their lives.

This is a lovely book that emphasizes the ways in which we agree in the experience of a Passover Seder. It is easy to read and helpful, and comes with many historical notes which provides additional meaning to the readings. I wish I had this book when we first started our family seder after we were married. But we will enjoy using it now that our children are older and can appreciate the openess of this Haggadah and the sharing of this special time of our dinner at home with friends and family.I do wish it came as a paperback though so that it would be easier to hold open.

While anyone who has participated in a Seder knows what a Haggdah is, the Roberts have wrapped the Exodus story around their longtime romance - bringing family together ... and eventually over 3 dozen friends to the annual event.So the book has 3 good parts - 1) the Roberts love story - and travelogue; 2) the Exodus story told in the Haggadah; and 3) recipes(!). I recommend it to any reader interested in any or all of the 3 parts!

My husband and I are not Jewish but this book made me want to host a Seder. Passover is a very detailed celebration and I don't think I would do it justice so now I'll just be hoping to someday get invited to one :) The underlying message of inclusion and the celebration of freedom is one many people can relate to so non-Jewish readers might still find it interesting.

This was a wonderful read and gave wonderful examples of how to modernize the Seder nights and make it really fun. I was able to relate to so many ideas and did put them to use just this past Passover. It's amazing how you can change something so traditional, yet keep it warm and inviting, and making it a new tradition. Thank you so much Cokie and Steve!!!

this was written with the style and flair that is indicative of Cokie and Steves brilliant minds and great wit. It not only gives the basics for the Passover but in such a way that it presents a clever story line. I would read can labels if they were written by there two beautiful and intelligent people

I was (and still am) eager to find ways of celebrating the Jewish traditions of my heritage without delving too deeply into the religious aspects so I was intrigued by Cokie and Steve Roberts book and downloaded it. It is very well written and also interesting, but really requires reading through a few times as the Haggadah is embedded within the general text. It is for that reason I have given it three stars.In fairness, I downloaded it about 3 hours before our Seder and I will now go back and read it properly. Being in an interfaith marriage myself (although unlike the Roberts, neither of us is religious) I admire and respect the Roberts and the spirit of what Our Haggadah represents. I hope to get more out of it once I spend a bit more time reading through.

An interesting and useful contribution for multifaith families.