Asher Family Enjoys Haggadah They Created

Grandchildren and cousins coast-to-coast got in on the family Passover publication.

By Robyn Spizman Gerson March 11, 2021, 4:10 pm Edit

Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author of many books, including “When Words Matter Most.” She is also a communications professional and well-known media personality, having appeared often locally on “Atlanta and Company” and nationally on NBC’s “Today” show. For more information go to www.robynspizman.com.

“Our Family Haggadah” was created by Spring Asher, an Emmy Award-winning former television producer, and members of her family. The haggadah, developed in 2014 and updated several times since, is a family-friendly compilation for seders at home or Zoom-style, ready for coast-to-coast family togetherness. The seder service is a simple, 65-page interactive telling of the Exodus.

New York Times food writer Florence Fabricant last year recommended it as family friendly and appropriate for a remote, Zoom seder.

An example of the family-friendly haggadah creatively illustrating Elijah opening the door.

In her April column, Fabricant wrote, “Here’s a lively Haggadah that’s kid friendly and easy on the budget, making it reasonable to distribute multiple copies at home or to send to others to participate in a remote Seder. It’s the fourth and improved edition of the book filled with children’s drawings. It suggests (and explains) an orange on the Seder plate (but it’s not so up-to-date that it includes a remote Seder, as dictated by the 11th plague, Covid-19.) It has all the songs, easily followed and presented with guitar chords.”

Since its creation five years ago, the Asher family has enjoyed the haggadah, originally illustrated by all the grandchildren and cousins who are now grown and living across the United States, from Atlanta, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., to San Francisco and Oregon. “‘Our Family Haggadah’ is a tradition, and no matter where we all are, it brings us together during this meaningful Jewish holiday,” Asher said.

“Our Family Haggadah” was originally illustrated by the grandchildren who have now grown up, but their family tradition continues through the years.

First-time seder participants, grandparents and interfaith families can use the haggadah to engage in the songs and stories of Passover.

The Ashers never miss a seder without sharing great-grandmother Helen’s favorite recipe of “Forgotten Cookies.” Now a fourth-generation family recipe that celebrates l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, Helen Asher made them, and they were always a hit. Asher added, added, “I made these cookies until my daughter Dr. Juliet Asher took them over as a family tradition. Her daughters, our granddaughters Samantha Golden, 14, and Jackie Golden, 11, are now the bakers. They are perfect for Passover and pop up at other occasions throughout the year. They are as easy as they are delicious.”

“Our Family Haggadah” is available on Amazon.

Forgotten Cookies

Forgotten Cookies are a fourth-generation favorite.

While there are many variations of the Passover cookie; here’s one that has lasted four generations.
Yield: 40 cookies
4 egg whites at room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped
pecans, optional

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Line cookie sheet with foil. Grease with butter
Beat egg whites until foamy. Use hand mixer or electric mixer on medium. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until you get stiff peaks.
Add vanilla and salt. Blend well.

Fold in pecans with spatula and chocolate chips by hand.

Drop dough on cookie sheet by teaspoonfuls.

Put cookies in pre-heated oven.

Turn off oven and leave closed overnight.

Remove from oven and let cool.

Enjoy!