"… A gift to Jewish parents and teachers who want to explore the many layers of history and interpretation in our celebration of freedom."
—Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, editor, The Open Door: A Passover Haggadah
"Extraordinary in its depth and breadth, this collection is much more than a sourcebook; it is the work of a master teacher…. This richly informative and inspiring book is a treasure for all those seeking to create a Seder that is alive with questions that matter."
—Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, editor, The Women’s Passover Companion
“Excellent.... Among the finest works that will help enable you to lead a creative and engaging Seder service ... over the course of many years.”
—Jewish Star
“Will transform a traditional seder into one filled with vibrant thoughts and remarks…. A wonderful addition to the Pesach table!”
—Center for Jewish Education
“An outstanding resource for enhancing seders.”
—New York Jewish Week
“Many ideas, for children and adults, that can be adopted or adapted for those from different religious perspectives.... Handy ... for pre-seder preparation and for the seder itself.”
—Chicago Jewish Star
“A wonderful collection of readings, stories, and activities to enhance your Passover celebration.”
—Dr. Ron Wolfson, vice president, University of Judaism; author, Passover: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration
“[A] cornucopia of original texts, edifying stories and activities (for children, too) that will stimulate seder-sitters to read, talk and question events past, present and future.”
—Hadassah Magazine
“Excellent, interesting, and informative material ... to go beyond the traditional Passover Seder night service, or deeper into it.... A valuable tool.”
—Jewish Eye
“An outstanding resource for any Seder leader. Your experience, level of knowledge of Jewish history and customs, no matter big or small, will definitely be greatly enriched.... Dynamic materials.”
—Jewish iPhone Magazineerica
“Provides ways to introduce new symbols and new significance into the familiar rhythms of the seder.... Challenges every seder leader to go outside the box of the traditional haggadah, and provides the tools to do it.”
—Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles
“A Comprehensive.... Provides provocative readings on a variety of subjects that further limn the Passover message of liberation as well as activities to allow those gathered to truly experience the imperative to relive it ‘as if we were slaves.’”
—Jewish News of Greater Phoenix
“Innovative ... urges readers to make the ritual their own, using Passover as an opportunity to better understand and internalize Judaism, freedom and faith.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A welcome support for Seder leaders everywhere. As Jewish life continues to evolve, the Seder remains a pivotal moment to transmit values, stories, and the culture of our people. This book is full of ideas, texts, and information on how to enrich the experience for all gathered at the table!.”
—Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael, rabbinic director, Jewish Women’s Spirituality Institute, JCCs of Greater Philadelphia
"An incredible sourcebook for anyone looking to add a new dimension to their understanding of Passover and enrichment of his or her Seder.”
—Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter
"More down to earth is David Arnow’s ‘Creating Lively Passover Seders,’ now out in a new, expanded edition from Jewish Lights Publishing. Since the first edition was published only seven years ago, I suppose it’s too early to call it a ‘classic’ -- but for anyone who’s used it, especially anyone with children, it is just that. Arnow’s book should be read ahead of time: There’s too much to stumble through during the Seder itself, and the book’s real value is in providing Seder participants with preselected questions and activities for different parts of the evening. (The new edition includes additional material on Passover songs, the Seder Plate and other topics.) I suggest assigning each participant a different part of the Seder to lead, and pointing them all to this book, and its accompanying website (livelyseders.com), for suggestions on what to do."
—Jay Michaelson, The Forward, April 6, 2011
"The book everyone who has to lead or attend a Seder has been waiting for. Simply put: This book will ensure that Seders will be intellectually challenging, emotionally engaging and spiritually uplifting for years to come…"
—Rabbi Irwin Kula
"A deeply enriched and enriching Seder awaits those who use David Arnow’s comprehensive sourcebook. His chapter on Women of the Exodus is alone worth the cover price."
—Letty Cottin Pogrebin
"Arnow has created a treasure trove of lore and scholarship, insight and activities that will fascinate and enlighten readers and enrich their Seders for decades. Not only will this volume deepen the reader’s understanding, it will add immeasurably to Seders through an extraordinary array of strategies for reaching the diverse groups who gather to share the Seder experience."
—Rabbi David A. Teutsch
"… A feast of Talmudic stories, historical accounts and suggested activities which will stimulate and enrich discussion around the Seder table…. Most enjoyable is the connection between the ancient and the contemporary, the timely and timeless quality of our eternal texts which David Arnow has masterfully managed to bring to our attention… Creating Lively Passover Seders will serve as a marvelous companion piece to the Passover Haggadah…"