Search Library

Cups of Elijah and Miryam
Contributed by Kate Judd

  • TOP HAGGADAHS FOR 2023

Cups for Elijah and Miryam

Reader: At this point we fill a cup for Elijah and open the door to let him in. Tradition states that before the Messiah comes the Prophet Elijah will come to ignite an era of peace.Let us open the door and instead of passively waiting for that era of peace think what it is we can do in our lives to bring it closer.

Reader:

Haggadah Haiku

On Passover we

Opened the door for Elijah

Now our cat is gone.

Leader: Let us all fill our wine glasses.

{Picks up Elijah's cup for all to see.}

This is the cup of Elijah. According to tradition, we open the door to permit the possible entry of the prophet Elijah, who is, according to tradition, the herald of the Mashiach or an era of peace and freedom for all human beings.

Reader: We, too, open the door to peace, knowing that Elijah's task is really our own. Only when we have made a world where nation shall not lift up sword against nation, where justice is universal, and where each person is free, will the age-old dream of peace be real.

{The door is opened.}

All sing: Eliyahu ha-navee, Eliyahu ha-Tish-bee Eliyahu, eliyahu, Eliyahu ha-Giladee

Beem-hei-ra b'ya-mei-nu Yavo ei-leinu Eem ma-shee-ach ben David Eem ma-shee-ach ben David

{Children come back to see if Elijah has drunk from the cup.}

Miriam’s Cup

Reader: The story has been told of a miraculous well of living water which had accompanied the Jewish people since the world began. In the time of the Exodus from Mitzrayim, Miriam called the well to her and it stayed with the Jews as they wandered the desert. Upon Miriam’s death, the well again disappeared.

{Whatever wine remains in the wine glasses is now emptied into a bowl. Water is then poured into everyone’s wine glass.}

Reader: Now, as we begin a season of renewal, may cleansing, refreshing waters, reminiscent of Miriam’s well, recall for us a purity of purpose and help us focus on the tasks ahead to help bring freedom to all the peoples of the world.

{All drink the water from Miriam’s well.}

haggadah Section: Hallel

Featured clips


More clips from Kate Judd