Download for free most exquisite Haggadot: Just in time for Passover, the National Library of Israel (NLI), which houses the world’s greatest Haggadah collection, has made some of the world’s most stunning Haggadot freely available for download from some 15,000 editions, including traditional and non-traditional versions.
The Haggadah (plural: Haggadot) is the text read during the Passover Seder, the traditional holiday meal accompanied by recitation of the Exodus account. The beauty of the Haggadah is one of the most festive pleasures on this special night.
The National Library of Israel in Jerusalem houses Haggadot ranging from handwritten manuscripts with exquisite pictures, rare and early printings, as well as modern adaptations. Additionally, it contains digital reproductions of rare Haggadot housed in different collections worldwide.
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Prague Passover Haggadah, 1556
The Library acquired this Haggadah as part of its acquisition of the Valmadonna Trust Library, the world’s greatest private collection of rare Jewish printed books and manuscripts.
This Haggadah was preceded by a 1526 printing. Many of the pictures and interpretations found in this early printed Haggadah have inspired subsequent Haggadot for hundreds of years. Only two copies of this 1556 Haggdah have survived; one is preserved in London’s British Library, while the other is presently stored in Israel’s National Library.
Israel’s National Library / DOWNLOAD
Rothschild Haggadah, 1450
A Northern Italian Passover Haggadah in the Ashkenazi Tradition
This Haggadah was part of Baron Edmond de Rothschild’s collection. The Haggadah contains fifty pages of text written in an Ashkenazi square script. It is illustrated with dozens of vibrant images. Some of the stunning images are directly related to the text, while others depict recurring themes from the Haggadah and the story of the escape from Egypt, such as the ten plagues and matzah baking.
Several of the pictures also bear witness to the city’s origins; for example, the cities of Pithom and Ramses are depicted in a late gothic architectural style reminiscent of Northern Italy’s fortifications.
Additionally, the characters’ outfit evokes Northern Italian flair. Although the illustrator’s name is not revealed, the style resembles that of well-known illustrator Yoel Ben Shimon. Yoel Ben Shimon lived and worked in Northern Italy’s Modena and Carmona in the second half of the 15th century.
Israel’s National Library / DOWNLOAD
Amsterdam Haggadah, Holland, 1738
This Haggadah contains numerous drawings, several of which are rather uncommon. The Haggadah includes Isaac Abarbanel’s commentary, Zevah Pesah, and mystical/Kabbalistic commentary.
Israel’s National Library / DOWNLOAD
Morocco Haggadah, Fez, 20th century
This Haggadah includes an Arabic version as well as for instructions. These Haggadah letters hang from the top lines.
Israel’s National Library / DOWNLOAD
The Amsterdam Haggadah, 1741
This Haggadah, which includes Abarbanel’s commentary, is brimming with artistic features and magnificent drawings. At the end of the Haggadah, there are various piyuttim (liturgical hymns) with Yiddish translations. The writing is in Ashkenazic square script.
National Library of Israel / DOWNLOAD
The Golden Haggadah, 14th century, according to the Sephardic Tradition
This Haggadah, dubbed “The Golden Haggadah,” passed through numerous hands – from Bologna (Italy) in 1599 to Modena (Italy) in 1627, and finally ending up in the British Library’s collection. The Haggadah is lavishly illustrated. The writing is in Sephardic square script.
Israel’s National Library / DOWNLOAD
Passover Haggadah According to the Sephardic Tradition, Catalonia, 14th century
“The Catalan Haggadah” contains piyuttim (liturgical hymns), instructions, and halacha discussions (Jewish law). This Haggadah is exquisitely illustrated, with comments in miniature letters at the foot of each page.
National Library of Israel / DOWNLOAD
The Hamburg Haggadah, 1728, Hamburg, Germany
