Martin Bodek | Updates

Book Talk #33: Jewish War Vets, Freehold, NJ

Martin Bodek — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Honored to be speaking to such an audience about Zaidy's War, on my birthday!

]]>

Book Talk #34, School #2: Westchester Day School, Mamaroneck, NY

Martin Bodek — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Talking about Zaidy's War in a delicate manner to youngsters and their parents, as the calendar leads up to all the "Yom"s.

]]>

The Memory Keepers, Congregation B'nai Tikvah, Deerfield, IL

Martin Bodek — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This will be my first experience serving as a panelist, alongside my Amsterdam Publishers colleagues. The event will be moderated by the synagogue rabbi.

]]>

The Memory Keepers, American Library Association Annual Conference

Martin Bodek — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This will be my second experience serving as a panelist, alongside my Amsterdam Publishers colleagues. The event will be moderated by our editor-in-chief, Liesbeth Heenk.

"This reflective staged event features Jewish authors in moderated conversation, exploring shared themes of survival, loss, rebuilding, and intergenerational memory. Rather than summarizing individual books, the focus is on meaningful connections and contemporary relevance. Discussion topics include resilience during war, life after liberation, 2G and 3G perspectives, and why these stories matter today. The session includes brief introductions and will conclude with audience engagement and booksigning."

]]>

Book Talk #32, JCC #5: JCC of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown, PA

Martin Bodek — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Honored to be speaking about Zaidy's War on Yom HaShoah.

]]>

Am I at Your Seder Table?

Martin Bodek — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Passover observers around the world,

It’s an honor to think that my work may have found a place at your Seder table.

If it happens to be part of your celebration, I would truly love to see a photo of the moment—if you’d be so kind as to share.

Thank you, and wishing you a joyful and meaningful Passover—Chag sameach!

]]>

A Brief History of the Haggadah, One More Time

Martin Bodek — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

It as an absolute joy and a heaping measure of pride that Jewish Book Council reposts this article of mine annually, re-sends it in their newsletter, and updates the byline to include my recent work. It forms the basis of my Haggadah book talks, and I'm thankful to them for reaching out to me in the first place to commission the research.

Thank you, Simona!

Please print and enjoy at your seder table, along with whichever books of mine you'll also have along for the ride.

Chag sameach!

https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-daily/a-brief-history-of-the-haggadah

]]>

My Annual Passover "Vinch" (Wish)

Martin Bodek — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Hi! This Pre-passover season has gone quite swimmingly for Haggadahpalooza, in various forms. To wit:

https://martinbodekbooks.com/books/haggadahpalooza-the-unofficial-weirdly-perfect-passover-pop-parody-panoply

Can't be bothered to click the link? Okay, it contains:

1) Two Haggadahpalooza playlists, which you can use to practice your vocals for seder night.
2) Fan Covers! At the sending of this e-mail, 8 renditions of the 56 parody songs were sent in, and I delightfully splattered them all over social media. Send me more.
3) Information on my Haggadah book talks. I had the most pre-passover ones ever, and my first in Canada, and the majority were returns, after presenting Zaidy's War previously. I can go heavy; I can go light; bring me in for more; bring me in for either or both.
4) Firsts: a) my interview with Nachum Segal in his studio, b) A review in 5TJT, c) A Listopia!, d) a YouTube trailer! e) An official book review by Eli Lebowicz.
5) Repeats: The Jewish Link, The Jewish Press, Zal Suldan, The Jewish Book Council, and Hadassah all had me back in the forms they usually have me.

Plus, I completely sold out of my wares in various retail venues, established relationships with new ones that are promising for next year, and created all kinds of viral memes and various fun, engaging media that I'm sure happened across your feeds.

Okay, *now* you'll click, amirite?

But all these wonderful blessings and good fortunes culminated in a single, defining moment last year, which is worth repeating again, because a version of it happens annually:

I hurried to Judaica House Ltd to restock (again) their oft-dwindling supply of my parody haggadot. I complimented the impressive bling the gentleman behind the counter was wearing, and he said:

"Thank you. I have to tell you something, Mr. Boydik. Not only are you yoytzeh (fulfilling) 'V'higaditu l'vinchu' (you shall teach your children) with your own children, but also with hundreds of other children. You have a big zechus (merit)."

I responded, "Biladai (it is beyond me)." and I pointed up.

This little niche of parody-haggadah publishing began with an emoji-themed shalach manot, nine years ago (bring me in for a talk to hear all the details), and has blossomed into my participation in a small industry that has helped bring people back to the seder table. I never intend to stop, because it's too important. As I've said often in conversation: I'm playing around, but I'm not playing around.

I've been told young girls love showing off how they can read The Emoji Haggadah like it was simple text. This year it showed up in an article called Bringing women’s voices to seder night, as an example of an innovation that rises to the needs of a generation.
I've been informed Gen X loves one-upping each other with their knowledge of Seinfeld when perusing The Festivus Haggadah.
I've been notified that during the recent pandemic, The Coronavirus Haggadah helped take the edge off, and that it reduced loneliness just a little bit. This year, it showed up in the Psychology section of Kikar magazine, in an article titled How Jewish Humor Served as a Tool for Survival Throughout the Diaspora.
I've been advised that The Shakespeare Haggadah finally gave some overworked and overharried wives a bit of respite and enjoyment at the seder.
I've been apprised that dorks (proud member of this club!) finally felt like they have a voice when quoting from This Haggadah is the Way: A Star Wars Unofficial Passover Parody.
I've been bulletined that families really, really, really enjoyed handing around The Dad Jokes Haggadah.
I've been heralded (okay, now we're really stretching the thesaurus) that Haggadahpalooza is going to be serious fun, and might get torn apart worse than perhaps The Dad Jokes Haggadah did. Here's a helpful hint: follow the rules on page 13!

Astute folks will note some age groups aren't represented above. I am working on filling those gaps, believe you me, until everyone is spoken for. Dave Cowen (my west coast friendly competition) and I are having some deep conversations about this.

Here's the bottom line of all this:

1) In my view, v'haggadata l'vinhca is not just the command to impart to our children, it's also the imperative to have them present for impartation, if you will. I hope my continued efforts serve to facilitate that. Kindly let me know if I helped serve this purpose for you.

This is spotlighted by a conversation I had with a fellow in shul who I'm getting to know, on our way to our kiddush:

Nice guy: "You must live Pesach year round, don't you?"

Me: "It's true. Purim was always my thing, My name is Mordechi, and I get into it."

Nice guy: "Naw, that's nice. But Pesach is what matters. You're bringing people together. Keep doing that."

Me: "Yes sir! Now let's go fight over food."

(BTW, Ben Rothke's book review encapsulates both of my above stories in a beautiful way. See it here: New Haggadahs for 2026)

2) In every generation, they try to destroy us, but The Man Upstairs frustrates their plans. I have heard it said by respected clergy that Gen X may have not known what it's like to have an existential crisis in Israel, as the Yom Kippur War transpired before the bulk of us were born. Well, now we know, don't we? And our children now know too, and I don't think this will ever skip a generation. However, He will always be there, Iron-Doming and David's Slinging His chosen people.

Have a wonderful, meaningful, educational, inspirational, sensational, and naturally, Muppetational (see page 33 of Haggadahpalooza) chag kosher v'sameach.

Am Yisroel chai! May The Force be with all of us.

Thank you to Yehonatan Haimovici, Tzachi Rosman, David Roher, Michele Justic, Moshe Kinderlehrer, Sari Kopitnikoff, Jennifer Low Sauer, Eleanor Minuk, Avivit Yoffe, Shimmie Hahn, Lev Ershler, Ariella Konigsberg, Judy Tashbook Safern, Dan & Sara Shuman, Joseph Franz & kids, Azi & Rivki Steiner, Caroline Bloom, Moshe Udashkin, Kristen Kreider, Harry Glazer, and my darling wife and kinderlach for making so much of this season happen.

-Martin (Mordechi) Bodek

P.S. My Passover media push is just an interlude. After this short commercial break, it's back to Zaidy's War as I continue my work to drive home the Never Again message. I've got several talks coming up, in Allentown, Paramus, and in Freehold, where I'll be presenting to Jewish War Vets, which will be my highest honor.

]]>

Haggadahpalooza Passover Prep

Martin Bodek — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Two things, one for you, one for me (which is also for you):

1) I've been asked by several folks for Haggadahpalooza playlists, to practice for the seder. Firstly, I'm flattered. That's awesome. Secondly, I got you covered! On the book page, I've got Spotify and YouTube playlists that contain all the songs I've parodied. Enjoy!

2) I've now received 7 "Fan Covers" of the 56 songs I've parodied, and included them on the book page as well. Only 49 to go! Take your song pick, record your performance, send it to me, and I'll splash it all over Social Media, plus include it here on the book site. Thanks bunches! Keep them coming!

]]>

Great to be Back with the Active Seniors group of the JCC of Northern NJ, in the Kol Dorot Building

Martin Bodek — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I had a lovely time, yet again presenting my Haggadah talk to a group of folks with whom I spoke last year about Zaidy's War.

The charming Active Seniors group of the JCC of Northern NJ, in the Kol Dorot: A Reform Jewish Community building, wrapped up their Zumba class and hurried over with their good energy to the spot in the sanctuary where I was set up.

The crowd of 60 strong came with good cheer and excellent attentiveness and conversational friendliness.

Now for the slew of places that have had me talk to them about Zaidy's War and haggadot, I need to write something new for them to bring me in again. I'll work on that.

Thanks for having me back, Jennifer and Elyse! I had a great time!

P.S. Fun thing: the organizer asked AI to come up with three short paragraphs about me, as a way to introduce me. Nice to know AI is aware of me! Result is pretty cool!

]]>

It's Get-a-Fun-Haggadah-at-the-Last-Minute Day!

Martin Bodek — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Did you know today is Get-a-Fun-Haggadah-at-the-Last-Minute Day?

No? Aren’t you glad you know me?

Drop by my website to fill your needs: MartinBodekBooks.com

Or drop by Judaica House in Teaneck: https://www.judaicahouse.net/product-search?filter=%22martin+bodek%22&sort_by=relevance

Or the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History Gift Shop in Philly: https://shoptheweitzman.org/search?type=product&q=bodek*

Or Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Minneapolis: https://www.magersandquinn.com/Books?keyword=%22martin%20bodek%22

Or Walmart!: https://www.walmart.com/search?q=%22martin+bodek%22

Or any of the 20+ retailers carrying my books.

Or book me for a haggadah talk at the 11th hour and buy some of the wares I bring with me: https://martinbodekbooks.com/events

Or drop by the Haggadahpalooza book page as it grows and grows. Hot off the press are the amazing fan covers: https://martinbodekbooks.com/books/haggadahpalooza-the-unofficial-weirdly-perfect-passover-pop-parody-panoply

Chap arain! (sorry, no English translation available)

If you don't hear from me again on this topic (something which is practically impossible), have a chag kasher v'sameach! (more translatable, but you do the hard work, mm k?)

]]>

Book Talk #31, JCC #4: Active Seniors group of the JCC of Northern NJ, in the Kol Dorot building, River Edge, NJ

Martin Bodek — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Haggadah talk with a lively group of senior folks. I presented Zaidy's War last year, and I'm coming back for something lighter.

]]>

Back in the Five Towns Again

Martin Bodek — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My non-stop pre-Passover book talk season keeps rolling along with another return engagement.

The Chabad of the Five Towns Smile on Seniors, at the Levi Yitzchak Library, in Cedarhurst, NY had me in last year to talk to them of Zaidy's War.

They invited me back to talk to them about haggadah history and present. I couldn’t be there in person this time, so we zoomed the presentation, and had a lovely time.

I’m tickled by my book, Haggadahpalooza, in middle of the room, serving as my avatar.

Thanks for bringing me back, Michele! I need something new to talk about!

]]>

Book Talk #30, Library #7, Chabad #3, Zoom #4: Chabad of the Five Towns Smile on Seniors, at the Levi Yitzchak Library, Cedarhurst, NY

Martin Bodek — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Another venue that first had me talk about Zaidy's War, and now wants me to talk to them about haggadot. Totally game.

]]>

Started My Day in the Studio with Nachum Segal on JM in the AM

Martin Bodek — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Just wrapped up in the studio with Nachum Segal on JM in the AM. That may have been the funnest 20-minute interview of my life.

Nachum gave full air time to each of my wares, and I gave proper mentions to several writers (Dave Cowen, Moshe Rosenberg, Jonathan Schloss) working in the same sphere as I am, as well as my publishers. It takes a village.

Zaidy's War got worked in as well. It was a full, fast, thorough talk, and I cannot wait for the recording. I also now have a few more haggadah ideas.

Thank you, Moshe Kinderlehrer, for making this connection, and thank you, Nachum, for a wonderful conversation. Really cool to see where and how the sauce is made.

MartinBodekBooks.com

NachumSegal.com

WFMU.org

]]>

Podcast #30: JM in the AM with Nachum Segal

Martin Bodek — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I've been invited to Nachum Segal's studio to talk about Haggadahpalooza and my entire haggadah history, and who knows what else might come up?

]]>

Vote for the Best Parody Haggadah Ever

Martin Bodek — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

YOU get to decide what the best parody haggadah ever is.

Vote today!

Best Parody Haggadot Ever (50 books) | Goodreads

]]>

Podcast #29: Echoes of Expression, NY

Martin Bodek — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I'll be speaking with a pair of impressive seniors at North Shore Hebrew Academy High School about Zaidy's War, and the broad subject of resilience throughout history.

]]>

Book Talk #28 and #29, Synagogue #10: Temple Beth Emeth, Toronto, Canada

Martin Bodek — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Headed to the Great White North for multiple talks.

Beth Emeth Presents: Family Haggadah Book Event | UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

Books & Bagels: Family Book Event - Event - Beth Emeth Bais Yehuda Synagogue

Beth Emeth Presents: Books & Bagels Family Event

]]>

From Hangover to Passover

Martin Bodek — Thu, 5 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In one easy step: tinyurl.com/haggadahpalooza

Get the cure today.

]]>