Now we open the front door to invite the prophet Elijah to join our seder.

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In the Bible, Elijah was a fierce defender of God to a disbelieving people. At the end of his life, rather than dying, he was whisked away to heaven. Tradition holds that he will return in advance of messianic days to herald a new era of peace.

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We also have Miriam's cup on the table tonight. Miriam was the sister of Moses and a prophetess in her own right. After the exodus when the Israelites wandered through the desert legend says that a well of water followed Miriam. We honor Miriam’s role in the story of the Jewish people as we honor all women, who nurture their families just as Miriam helped sustain the Israelites.

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Everyone pours a bit of water out of their drinking glass into Miriam's cup and shares how they hope to carry the themes of the seder with them in the coming year. 


haggadah Section: Hallel