Cubist Family Portrait at Passover. Designed by DALL E

Introduction

Excerpted from the playful Haggadah by the online service: HAGGADOT.COM

To my fellow Haggadah creators: 

Like so many others, I’ve been desperately searching for new inspiration and fresh creativity this year–for new content that isn’t just a revival of trends from my youth, or that doesn’t follow a predictable formula. And, as ironic as it is, I recently found that inspiration by asking a platform built on algorithms to rewrite song lyrics from the 70s. 

I won’t go as far as calling artificial intelligence art–though I’m sure many would say otherwise (the Passover table is probably the perfect place to have that kind of healthy debate). But I will say that when I sat down to have a little “chat” with Chat GPT, a new open artificial intelligence platform that has taken the internet by storm, I found myself laughing out loud in both amusement and awe at a computer’s ability to create such witty and clever responses to my often zany questions. I found myself engaged, laughing, and inspired in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time–and possibly a bit fearful that computers will put me out of a job one day. 

I hope you enjoy this Chat GPT Haggadah Supplement as much as I enjoyed creating it. And I hope it gives you the same joy and inspiration it gave me. 

Chag Sameach, 

Marissa Stein

Senior Marketing Manager, Custom & Craft / Haggadot.com

Stained Glass Matzah. Designed by Dall-e

What is a Seder?

Chat GPT: A Passover Seder is a ritual meal that is held on the first and/or second night of the Jewish holiday of Passover. The word “Seder” means “order” in Hebrew, and refers to the specific order of the ceremony that is followed.

During the Seder, participants retell the story of the Jewish people’s exodus from Egypt, which is central to the Passover holiday. The Seder is structured around the reading of the Haggadah, a special text that tells the story of Passover and includes prayers, songs, and instructions for the various symbolic foods and rituals that are part of the meal.

The Seder plate is a key element of the Passover Seder. It contains six symbolic foods that represent different aspects of the story of Passover, such as bitter herbs to symbolize the bitterness of slavery and a shank bone to represent the sacrificial lamb that the Jewish people ate before leaving Egypt.

Throughout the Seder, participants sing traditional songs, recite prayers, and engage in symbolic actions that help to bring the story of Passover to life. The goal of the Seder is to create a sense of connection to Jewish history and tradition, and to pass on the story of the Jewish people’s liberation from slavery to future generations.

Kadesh

Shakespearean Kadesh

Prompt: Can you re-write the blessing over the wine in Shakespearean English?

Chat GPT: Certainly, here’s my attempt

Hark! Raise the cup, whose ruby glow

Doth shine like gems on monarch’s brow,

Let man and maid, with joy aglow,

Give thanks and raise their voices now.

Beneath this crimson hue, we see

A symbol of God’s love so free,

Who led our fathers from slavery,

To freedom’s land, where we are free.

So let us drink, and blessings say,

To God, whose might did pave the way,

And on this sacred, joyous day,

Let grateful hearts forever sway.

— The AI Four Questions

Prompt: What do you think are the four most important questions to ask?

Chat GPT:  As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or beliefs, but I can provide some common examples of what people may consider to be the four most important questions to ask:

  1. Who am I? This question is fundamental to understanding one’s identity and can help individuals to explore their values, beliefs, and purpose in life.
  2. What is the meaning of life? This question is philosophical and asks individuals to reflect on the purpose of existence and their place in the world.
  3. What is true? This question is epistemological and asks individuals to question the nature of knowledge and the validity of beliefs.
  4. How should I live my life? This question is ethical and asks individuals to consider what actions are morally right or wrong and how to make decisions that align with their values and beliefs.

Of course, there are countless other questions that could be considered important, and the answers may vary depending on individual perspectives, cultures, and beliefs.

Prompt: How do those four questions relate to the four questions of Passover?

Chat GPT: The four questions of Passover and the four questions mentioned above can be related in the following ways:

  1. Who am I? The question of “Who am I?” relates to the Passover question “Why is this night different from all other nights?” In both cases, individuals are seeking to understand their identity and the unique circumstances that set them apart from others.
  2. What is the meaning of life? The Passover question “Why do we eat this unleavened bread?” can be seen as an exploration of the meaning of life. By refraining from eating leavened bread, individuals are reminded of the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt and the importance of living a life of purpose and meaning.
  3. What is true? The question of “What is true?” relates to the Passover question “Why do we dip twice?” By asking this question, individuals are prompted to question the nature of truth and the validity of their beliefs. By dipping twice, individuals are also reminded of the duality of life and the need to question their assumptions and biases.
  4. How should I live my life? The Passover question “Why do we recline?” can be seen as an exploration of how individuals should live their lives. By reclining, individuals are reminded of the freedom that the Israelites gained from leaving Egypt and the importance of living a life of dignity and autonomy. Additionally, the question of “How should I live my life?” is implicit in all of the Passover questions, as the Seder is intended to prompt individuals to reflect on their values and beliefs and to live in accordance with them.

Moses and Miriam in Egypt. Designed by Dall-e

ChatGPT – The Exodus Story as Driving Directions from My Jewish Father-in-law

Contributed by Bernadette Chimner

ChatGPT Prompt: Tell the exodus story as if you are my Jewish father-in-law who is giving driving directions to Moses and keeps digressing into quirky stories

Alright, so you’re gonna wanna take a right at the burning bush up ahead, Moses. Speaking of bushes, did I ever tell you about the time I accidentally set my neighbor’s bush on fire with my BBQ grill? Oh boy, he was not happy with me.

Anyway, after you turn right, you’re gonna come to a split in the road. Take the left, unless you want to end up at the Pharaoh’s palace. And let me tell you, I’ve been there before, and it’s not a fun place to be. I once got into a heated argument with the Pharaoh over who made the best matzah balls. Can you believe it?

Now, where was I? Oh right, so after you take the left, you’ll come across the Red Sea. Don’t worry though, God’s got your back. He’ll part the sea so you can cross on dry land. And let me tell you, that’s gonna be one heck of a sight to see. I remember one time when I was fishing in the Red Sea and I caught the biggest fish you’ve ever seen.

But back to the directions, after you cross the Red Sea, you’ll come to Mount Sinai. That’s where God is gonna give you the Ten Commandments. And let me tell you, Moses, you better listen carefully. I once got lost in the desert because I didn’t follow directions.

So there you have it, Moses. Just follow these directions and you’ll make it out of Egypt in no time. And if you need any more advice or quirky stories, you know who to ask. Your Jewish father-in-law.