The Moriah Haggadah

Collectors won't be the only ones who will want to shell out the steep asking price for this gorgeous illuminated haggadah, which is well worth the cost. Moriah, a Jerusalem-born painter who has done murals at the Jewish Theological Seminary and various landscapes of Israel, had never undertaken an illuminated manuscript before embarking on this project, but readers would never suspect that as they page through this accomplished book. Here, the Passover story is recounted in striking image and vibrant hue as well as familiar text: Moriah draws his color scheme from the oranges, golds and blues of the Middle East, and his artwork-comprising full-page round images as well as detailed rectangular miniatures-captivates the modern imagination. Pludwinski's beautiful Hebrew calligraphy calls forth the Exodus story in bold relief. (The English-language JPS translation is also provided.) This lovely book will help readers internalize the Passover saga and the concept of freedom.