Yocheved's Bookshelf

Studies on the Haggadah from the Teachings of Nechama Leibowitz
Reviewed by Yocheved Golani

A treasure that continues to be rediscovered, Nechama Leibowitz' "Studies on the Haggadah/Haggadat Nechama" has been republished by Urim Publications. Rich with the flavor of her gilyonot and thought-provoking questions that have guided thousands of intellectually charged students, Yitshak Reiner and Shmuel Peerless superbly edit this haggadah.
Highly organized and informative, Nechama's presentation startles and delights. The text raises provocative questions and supplies satisfying answers. Cases in point include detailed explorations into the natures of the four sons, the haggadah's ethical and theological imperatives, and who bears responsibility for Pharaoh's hardened heart. The examination of the four sons ranges from the appropriate pedagogical response to them, the archetypes they represent and to the profound differences between the Jewish and gentile ability (or lack thereof) in "hearing" G'D's voice. At Maggid, Nechama explicates the ethical and theological imperatives of the seder, which is designed to sensitive Jews to the needs of the stranger and the difference between speculating on G'D's existence and yearning for Him. In regard to Pharaoh's hardened heart, Nechama portrays no less than four points of view, one of which comes from Sforno. It explains that Pharaoh had free will throughout the plagues since "…G'D gave him the courage and resolve not to capitulate to as a result of fear of the pain inflicted by the plagues. This kept open the gate of true repentance to Pharaoh."
Haggadat Nechama is interspersed with snippets from Nechama Leibowitz' life. The insights convey the spirit of her work and sense of humor while instructing the student. Reiner and Peerless included material that brings fresh perspective and a welcome review to the annual Pesach experience. A treasury for anyone, Haggadat Nechama deserves to be reprinted yearly.