BySimon Rocker, Simon Rocker
Liberal Judaism has published a new haggadah, its first revision for nearly 30 years.
Co-edited by Rabbi Pete Tobias of the Liberal Synagogue Elstree and Rabbi Aaron Goldstein of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, it continues the trend towards greater traditionalism with more biblical and rabbinic material than its 1981 predecessor.
Among innovative features are references to contemporary forms of slavery such as children's sweatshops and the trafficking of women for the sex trade.
As well as Elijah's Cup, it includes a blessing for Miriam's Cup, a cup of water commemorating the miraculous well associated with Moses's sister that sustained the Israelites in the wilderness. There are also songs in Yiddish and Ladino.
"The demand made by our rabbinic colleagues was for something that would appeal to all generations and whatever the nature of the gathering," Rabbi Tobias explained.
A separate child-friendly service is included at the back of the haggadah, while the main text is split into essential parts of the service on the right hand page and optional material on the left.
"There are guidelines on our website on how to use the haggadah in various ways," Rabbi Tobias added.
A half-century ago, the Liberal haggadah omitted most of the traditional passages relating to the flight from Egypt including the Ten Plagues - though these were restored in 1981.
More than half of the first run of 5,000 copies have been sold at £7.50 (the price goes up to £8.50 after Pesach).
Designed by Rabbi Goldstein's wife, Tammy Kustow, the book comes in glossy format - which "should minimise the danger of wine stains", Rabbi Tobias said.
It is dedicated to the movement's former executive vice-president Rabbi Dr Sidney Brichto, who died last year.