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For This We Left Egypt?: A Passover Haggadah for Jews and Those Who Love Them
The book you hold before you is no ordinary Haggadah. If you’ve ever suffered through a Seder, you’re well aware of the fact that the entire evening can last as long as the exodus from Egypt itself. There are countless stories, dozens of blessings, and far too many handwashings while the meal turns cold. Now prepare to be entertained by another version of the book that’s responsible for this interminable tradition.
With this hilarious parody Haggadah from the comedic minds of Dave Barry, Alan Zweibel, and Adam Mansbach, good Jews everywhere will no longer have to sit (and sleep) through a lengthy and boring Seder. In For This We Left Egypt?, the authors will be take you through every step of the Seder, from getting rid of all the chametz in your home by setting it on fire with a kosher blowtorch to a retelling of the Passover story starring Pharaoh Schmuck and a burning bush that sounds kind of like Morgan Freeman, set against the backdrop of the Promised Land―which turned out not to be a land of milk and honey but rather one of rocks and venomous scorpions the size of Yorkshire terriers. You then eat a celebratory brisket and wrap up the whole evening by taking at least forty-five minutes to say good-bye to everyone.
So gather all the Jews in your life (even the few who don’t appear to be long-suffering) and settle in for a fun way to pass the time while waiting for Elijah to show up.
With this hilarious parody Haggadah from the comedic minds of Dave Barry, Alan Zweibel, and Adam Mansbach, good Jews everywhere will no longer have to sit (and sleep) through a lengthy and boring Seder. In For This We Left Egypt?, the authors will be take you through every step of the Seder, from getting rid of all the chametz in your home by setting it on fire with a kosher blowtorch to a retelling of the Passover story starring Pharaoh Schmuck and a burning bush that sounds kind of like Morgan Freeman, set against the backdrop of the Promised Land―which turned out not to be a land of milk and honey but rather one of rocks and venomous scorpions the size of Yorkshire terriers. You then eat a celebratory brisket and wrap up the whole evening by taking at least forty-five minutes to say good-bye to everyone.
So gather all the Jews in your life (even the few who don’t appear to be long-suffering) and settle in for a fun way to pass the time while waiting for Elijah to show up.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2017
120 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Dave Barry
153 books2,242 followersDave Barry is a humor writer. For 25 years he was a syndicated columnist whose work appeared in more than 500 newspapers in the United States and abroad. In 1988 he won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. Many people are still trying to figure out how this happened.
Dave has also written many books, virtually none of which contain useful information. Two of his books were used as the basis for the CBS TV sitcom "Dave's World," in which Harry Anderson played a much taller version of Dave.
Dave plays lead guitar in a literary rock band called the Rock Bottom Remainders, whose other members include Stephen King, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson and Mitch Albom. They are not musically skilled, but they are extremely loud. Dave has also made many TV appearances, including one on the David Letterman show where he proved that it is possible to set fire to a pair of men's underpants with a Barbie doll.
In his spare time, Dave is a candidate for president of the United States. If elected, his highest priority will be to seek the death penalty for whoever is responsible for making Americans install low-flow toilets.
Dave lives in Miami, Florida, with his wife, Michelle, a sportswriter. He has a son, Rob, and a daughter, Sophie, neither of whom thinks he's funny.
Dave has also written many books, virtually none of which contain useful information. Two of his books were used as the basis for the CBS TV sitcom "Dave's World," in which Harry Anderson played a much taller version of Dave.
Dave plays lead guitar in a literary rock band called the Rock Bottom Remainders, whose other members include Stephen King, Amy Tan, Ridley Pearson and Mitch Albom. They are not musically skilled, but they are extremely loud. Dave has also made many TV appearances, including one on the David Letterman show where he proved that it is possible to set fire to a pair of men's underpants with a Barbie doll.
In his spare time, Dave is a candidate for president of the United States. If elected, his highest priority will be to seek the death penalty for whoever is responsible for making Americans install low-flow toilets.
Dave lives in Miami, Florida, with his wife, Michelle, a sportswriter. He has a son, Rob, and a daughter, Sophie, neither of whom thinks he's funny.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 23, 2021
This was educational about the Passover ceremony in the home. I had a few chuckles from it.
May 2, 2018
Not terribly deep, but entertaining.
I came into this book ignorant, and I left it slightly less ignorant and only marginally more confused. But I laughed.
I came into this book ignorant, and I left it slightly less ignorant and only marginally more confused. But I laughed.
April 1, 2017
A light hearted, comical telling of the Pesach Seder traditions.
September 15, 2017
Oy gewalt! With Jews like these, who needs anti-semites? And do they even answer the one thing I wanted answered? WHAT DO WE DO WITH THE EGG, AFTER IT'S LEFT STANDING BY ITSELF?
April 14, 2017
This book is a riotous scream of rolling hilarity, and a great companion for your seder - whether or not the sense of humor of the three writers is your taste or not.
For me, though, I've loved these guys for years. True wits who know how to build on jokes and love a great guffaw of a footnote where and when they can make one.
Beyond the great laughs, though, was a thoroughly interesting aspect of the book: they ask logical questions about the seder and Jewish history that do actually set the head aspin. There's a healthy dose of that in here, and if this humor is an acquired taste for you, then at least you'll appreciate that part of this little tome.
Thank me when you find them. We can then discuss for hours.
For me, though, I've loved these guys for years. True wits who know how to build on jokes and love a great guffaw of a footnote where and when they can make one.
Beyond the great laughs, though, was a thoroughly interesting aspect of the book: they ask logical questions about the seder and Jewish history that do actually set the head aspin. There's a healthy dose of that in here, and if this humor is an acquired taste for you, then at least you'll appreciate that part of this little tome.
Thank me when you find them. We can then discuss for hours.
July 1, 2017
Yes, it's /that/ Dave Barry. No, he's not Jewish. But his two co-authors are.
It's a Haggadah and a bit of a meta-Hagaddah, going into the subject of why have a Hagaddah, who got to choose what to commemorate and how, and how did people come to agree on the symbols and symbolism of each item. But not too much of that.
My favorite part is the songs at the end, where such favorites as Chad Gadya are, um, updated.
From Echad Mi Yodea:
Who knows five? I know five.
Five are the books of the Torah
And the boroughs of New York City
But none among us
Has the wisdom to say
Which book is Staten Island.
It's a Haggadah and a bit of a meta-Hagaddah, going into the subject of why have a Hagaddah, who got to choose what to commemorate and how, and how did people come to agree on the symbols and symbolism of each item. But not too much of that.
My favorite part is the songs at the end, where such favorites as Chad Gadya are, um, updated.
From Echad Mi Yodea:
Who knows five? I know five.
Five are the books of the Torah
And the boroughs of New York City
But none among us
Has the wisdom to say
Which book is Staten Island.
May 14, 2017
This book is a send up of the practices that are done on Seder night. Dave Barry and his collaborators have written an insane take on the Seder and its related rituals. I am not sure of the exact way that they collaborated. As a long time Barry reader, I can recognize some of his common themes and jokes. But, I also know that he does not know any Hebrew and has little knowledge of many of the concepts in this book. It almost feels like they all sat down together, sampled copious amounts of Seder wine, and let the ideas flow. It is a wild ride. Some may be offended. But, I was amused.
June 16, 2017
Since Woody Allen is now a shanda...
...these three guys have taken up the mantel of writing with such an inflection that I could swear that my grandfather Abe, of blessed memory, out of the grave and talking to me. Oy!
...these three guys have taken up the mantel of writing with such an inflection that I could swear that my grandfather Abe, of blessed memory, out of the grave and talking to me. Oy!
April 29, 2021
There was humor in the book, which one would expect from Dave Barry, but overall it couldn't sustain my interest long term. I've read several articles and stories on Passover Haggadah, but overall wouldn't want to read this book again.
April 23, 2017
This was a goodreads giveaway and I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. A humorous quick read.
November 22, 2021
I giggled a little, but will probably not be giving this to my MIL.
April 20, 2022
Funny (and accurate!) Haggadah, an enjoyable little read over the long first 2+ days of Passover. Not quite up to the level of the other hilarious book by these same brilliant authors, A Field Guide to the Jewish People: Who They Are, Where They Come From, What to Feed Them, What They Have Against Foreskins, How Come They Carry Each Other ... Water, and Much More. Maybe Too Much More (and yes, all 3 of these writers are brilliant and hilarious). So go read that one immediately ... but read this one over your next Passover too!
November 7, 2021
Ridiculously funny!!!!! Laughed SO hard!
April 16, 2019
No, I'm not Jewish. I read this because I'm a fan of Dave Barry. Unlike a lot of readers who show up for newer Dave Barry books, however, I'm not gonna say something like, "I used to like Dave Barry." I love Dave Barry. I read his new material as enthusiastically as I've ever read his material. This particular material might best be appreciated by someone who's actually Jewish. I don't know. Maybe. But not definitely.
The Haggadah is something Jews read every Passover (figured I'd read it roughly at the right time), at the Seder meal. Again, not being Jewish, I have no experience with the traditional Haggadah, or a Seder meal in general. I think I experienced an ecumenical version of it once, but...Jews experience this every year. Half of For This We Left Egypt is a lampooning of having to endure the traditional version, which is why this parody exists at all, theoretically to give adherents something a little more, ah, lively to enjoy.
How many Jewish households are likely to? Is that even a relevant question?
I found it amusing. It's probably as short as it is because the authors want to believe some actual Jewish households will consider using it as a legitimate Haggadah. It still takes somewhere around two hours to read (longer if a family becomes interactive during it, presumably), so that's still a fairly long wait until getting around to eating.
Viewing it as a (theoretical) practical guide to a Seder meal, I'm then forced to again wonder if the results are best analyzed by actual Jewish readers. But as a reader of the book, as a fan of Dave Barry, and short lively reads, I call it a win.
No need to worry too much more about it.
The Haggadah is something Jews read every Passover (figured I'd read it roughly at the right time), at the Seder meal. Again, not being Jewish, I have no experience with the traditional Haggadah, or a Seder meal in general. I think I experienced an ecumenical version of it once, but...Jews experience this every year. Half of For This We Left Egypt is a lampooning of having to endure the traditional version, which is why this parody exists at all, theoretically to give adherents something a little more, ah, lively to enjoy.
How many Jewish households are likely to? Is that even a relevant question?
I found it amusing. It's probably as short as it is because the authors want to believe some actual Jewish households will consider using it as a legitimate Haggadah. It still takes somewhere around two hours to read (longer if a family becomes interactive during it, presumably), so that's still a fairly long wait until getting around to eating.
Viewing it as a (theoretical) practical guide to a Seder meal, I'm then forced to again wonder if the results are best analyzed by actual Jewish readers. But as a reader of the book, as a fan of Dave Barry, and short lively reads, I call it a win.
No need to worry too much more about it.
September 12, 2018
Entertaining read.
I don't know anything about Judaism, but it is quite funny, especially the footnotes. The humour can be a little puerile, but it's great if you're drunk (which the book endorses).
I did like the Discussion Questions, such as:
And I liked that he rewrote traditional songs, including a counting song with lyrics such as:
2.5/5 stars - I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more if I understood Hebrew and I knew about Jewish traditions.
I don't know anything about Judaism, but it is quite funny, especially the footnotes. The humour can be a little puerile, but it's great if you're drunk (which the book endorses).
I did like the Discussion Questions, such as:
If you could visit ten different forms of living hell on an entire country to punish a leader the people hadn't even elected, which country would you choose? Would you feel like a big man afterward?
And I liked that he rewrote traditional songs, including a counting song with lyrics such as:
Who knows nine? I know nine
Nine are the months of pregnancy
Which is how we make more Jews
Because going door to door is for schmucks
2.5/5 stars - I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more if I understood Hebrew and I knew about Jewish traditions.
March 23, 2018
Really funny, but as a parody Haggadah, it doesn’t stand on its own. To get the jokes, you have to be familiar with the normal Passover Seder, because this book skips half of it and mocks the rest. Therefore, it doesn’t function as a true Haggadah and you probably shouldn’t use it.
However, people who have suffered through long Seders that always feel too serious will find this one funny. To those, I would highly recommend this parody book, at least from the library for a good laugh.
However, people who have suffered through long Seders that always feel too serious will find this one funny. To those, I would highly recommend this parody book, at least from the library for a good laugh.
July 19, 2017
In typical Dave Barry style, this book will make you chuckle at many of the Passover Seder traditions upheld by your typical Jewish family. Its not necessary to know the exact traditions to appreciate the humour in this book, but knowing them would definitely make this a much funnier read.
February 4, 2018
I started to read it as a book and found it very stupid and no funny. So, since my book group chose this book, I got the CD from the library. thinking that since the authors are reading the book aloud, it MIGHT be funnier. It wasn't. Stupid book. Stupid humor.
Read
March 22, 2017A silly romp of decidedly specific New York flavor. I love the "preoccupation with either pooping or not pooping."
April 9, 2017
See my review at http://www.thereportergroup.org/Artic...
April 9, 2017
I knew that with Dave Barry and Alan Zweibel on board this would be hysterically funny...I was not disappointed.
May 5, 2017
I received this book free through Goodreads First Reads.
This was a pretty easy read. Easily the funniest Haggadah I've ever read.
This was a pretty easy read. Easily the funniest Haggadah I've ever read.
May 14, 2017
super silly but it made me laugh A LOT.
July 2, 2017
I won a copy of this book.
It was a humorous book and a quick, entertaining read. Also, as an adult, I found it an interesting look at Passover. Not for kids.
It was a humorous book and a quick, entertaining read. Also, as an adult, I found it an interesting look at Passover. Not for kids.
August 8, 2017
Picked this book up and laughed out loud all the way through. Fun read for anyone who has sat through a Seder.
February 23, 2018
This book pushed me ever closer to converting to Judaism, something that I've already been considering for several years.
September 22, 2018
Cute and elicited a few chuckles.
October 24, 2019
Cute and funny, this one is a fun addition to a Haggadah collection.
April 11, 2020
Uch. So good.
March 4, 2018
Funny, entertaining and possibly a tad off color!
When I ordered this book, I knew what I was getting into. Dave Barry is quite likely the funniest man in America, if not the world. I have the vast majority of his books, so I had a pretty good idea concerning the humor. Then too, his co-authors, while being Jewish, are also involved with humorous sitcoms and books. They have a wicked way of matching the humor of Dave Barry!
When the book came, I thought what is it with this cover? Then I remembered using Google Translate to translate something into Hebrew. The way the letters are written is from left to right. That explained things before I opened the book.
I would not have purchased this book except for the fact that the humor is being written or approved by people who are actually members of the Jewish religion. They are welcome to make jokes about their traditions and religious practices because they have been through the Seder themselves. They write knowing they will likely continue to celebrate the next Passover. Even Dave Barry, who has never tried to hide that he is not particularly religious, has written about attending Seder with his wife and her family.
Someone who was poking fun at someone else’s traditions and beliefs would be unacceptable to me. And you know what? I did manage to learn about the real Passover Haggada and the observation of a Seder! Even between the humorous relating of why the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years, (Moses wouldn’t ask directions!) the solemn nature of this feast comes through!
I give the book five stars.
Quoth the Raven…
When I ordered this book, I knew what I was getting into. Dave Barry is quite likely the funniest man in America, if not the world. I have the vast majority of his books, so I had a pretty good idea concerning the humor. Then too, his co-authors, while being Jewish, are also involved with humorous sitcoms and books. They have a wicked way of matching the humor of Dave Barry!
When the book came, I thought what is it with this cover? Then I remembered using Google Translate to translate something into Hebrew. The way the letters are written is from left to right. That explained things before I opened the book.
I would not have purchased this book except for the fact that the humor is being written or approved by people who are actually members of the Jewish religion. They are welcome to make jokes about their traditions and religious practices because they have been through the Seder themselves. They write knowing they will likely continue to celebrate the next Passover. Even Dave Barry, who has never tried to hide that he is not particularly religious, has written about attending Seder with his wife and her family.
Someone who was poking fun at someone else’s traditions and beliefs would be unacceptable to me. And you know what? I did manage to learn about the real Passover Haggada and the observation of a Seder! Even between the humorous relating of why the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years, (Moses wouldn’t ask directions!) the solemn nature of this feast comes through!
I give the book five stars.
Quoth the Raven…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews