hagada
Definition
Noun: * Haggadah (also spelled Hagada): A book or text containing the liturgy, narrative, prayers, and songs for the Jewish Passover Seder. It recounts the story of the Exodus from Egypt as commanded in the Torah (Exodus 13:8). It is a central text of Rabbinic Judaism that is not legal (Halakhic) in nature but is part of the broader tradition of Jewish storytelling and religious instruction.
Usage
The word "Haggadah" refers specifically to the text used during the Passover meal. It is read aloud as part of the Seder ritual. * The family gathered around the table, each with a copy of the Haggadah, to begin the Passover Seder. * Many different versions of the Haggadah have been published, some with modern commentaries and illustrations.
Advanced Usage
- "The Haggadah" (capitalized and with the definite article) often refers to the classic, canonical text.
- The term can also refer to the genre of non-legal, narrative, and homiletic literature in the Talmud and Midrash, in contrast to Halakha (legal literature). In this broader sense, it is sometimes spelled "Aggadah."
Variants and Related Words
- Haggadah: The most common English spelling.
- Aggadah (or Agada): The broader category of non-legal Talmudic and Midrashic literature encompassing stories, parables, and ethical teachings.
- Seder: The ritual Passover meal during which the Haggadah is read.
- Pesach: The Hebrew name for Passover.
Synonyms
- Passover narrative
- Seder text
- (In the broader sense) Non-legal Talmudic literature, Aggadic literature
Related Phrases
- To read from the Haggadah: The primary action associated with the text.
- The youngest child at the table will read the Four Questions from the Haggadah.
Noun
-
Talmudic literature that does not deal with law but is still part of Jewish tradition
