Jews have a special relationship to books, and the Haggadah has been translated more widely, and reprinted more often, than any other Jewish book. It is not a work of history or philosophy, not a prayer book, user's manual, timeline, poem or palimpsest - and yet it is all these things.

Summary

This quote highlights the significance of the Haggadah in Jewish culture and its unique nature. The Haggadah, used during the Passover Seder, holds a special place among Jewish books due to its widespread translation and frequent reproduction. It is a versatile text, encompassing elements of various genres, including history, philosophy, prayer, instructions, poetry, and layers of meaning. While it serves as a guide for the Passover ritual, the Haggadah's richness goes beyond mere functionality, making it a cherished and multi-dimensional literary work within Jewish traditions.

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