The Haggadah (Hebrew: הַגָּדָה, lit. "telling") is a Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Passover Seder. Reading the Haggadah is a fulfillment of the mitzvah (commandment) to recount the story of the Exodus from Egypt. The text is found in the Mishnah Pesachim 116a and is codified in the Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 473. The Haggadah contains the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, as well as prayers, blessings, and discussions on themes of freedom, redemption, and the importance of passing down the story to future generations. It is traditionally read aloud during the Passover Seder, a ritual meal that takes place on the first two nights of the holiday. The Haggadah has been translated into numerous languages, including Haggadah shel Pesach in Hebrew, Haggadah de Pessah in French, Haggadah de Pésaj in Spanish, and Haggadah shel Pesaḥ in Ladino. Illuminated and artistically decorated versions of the Haggadah have been produced throughout history, reflecting the cultural and artistic traditions of various Jewish communities.
Text that sets forth the order of the Passover Seder
The Haggadah is a foundational Jewish text that sets forth the order of the Passover Seder. According to Jewish practice, reading the Haggadah at the Seder table fulfills the mitzvah incumbent on every Jew to recount the Egyptian Exodus story to their children on the first night of Passover.