The Haggadah contains the traditional narrative and instructions for the Passover Seder.
The word Haggadah means “telling” or “narration.” It is the text used during the Seder to recount the Exodus from Egypt, interpret the story, and guide the order of the evening. A Haggadah commonly includes biblical passages, rabbinic commentary, blessings, songs, and instructions for the ritual foods and symbolic actions.
There is no single universally required edition. Jewish communities have produced many Haggadot, reflecting different languages, customs, artistic styles, and theological perspectives. The core Seder structure is known as the Seder, meaning “order.”
The Haggadah is not the same as the Torah’s Book of Exodus. Exodus supplies the biblical account, while the Haggadah arranges selected texts and practices for the Seder. Its contents also explain why matzah, bitter herbs, and other symbols appear during the meal.