The Cup of Redemption

Water is a symbol of life. 

The prophet Miriam saved her brother from the waters of the Nile. She also led the song of victory after the waters of the Red Sea parted and God gave abundant water to the people in the desert.

We remember Miriam the prophet, who danced at the Sea of Reeds to celebrate the Exodus. A well of fresh water was said to follow her in the desert so that the Israelites always had water to drink. We remember Prophet Miriam.

Water is a symbol of liberation. The song “Wade in the Water” refers to the Israelites setting out to cross the Red Sea.

Harriet Tubman set out to escape slavery with her two brothers. They followed the North Star to travel north to freedom, always walking near the water’s edge.

We remember Harriet Tubman, conductor on the Underground Railroad, who led 300 captured Africans from slavery to freedom. She sang Wade in the Water, thought by some to be a message to move through water to throw tracking dogs off the scent of escaping slaves.


haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu
Source: Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder