Miriam’s cup is filled with water, rather than wine. We invite women of all generations at our seder table to fill Miriam’s cup with water from their own glasses. 

A midrash teaches us that a miraculous well accompanied the Israelites throughout their journey in the desert, providing them with water. This well was given by God to Miriam, the prophetess, to honor her bravery and devotion to the Israelites. Both Miriam and her well were spiritual oases in the desert, sources of sustenance and healing. Her words of comfort gave the Israelites the faith and confidence to overcome the hardships of the Exodus. We fill Miriam’s cup with water to honor her role in ensuring the survival of the Jewish people. Like Miriam, Jewish women in all generations have been essential for the continuity of our people. As keepers of traditions in the home, women passed down songs and stories, rituals and recipes, from mother to daughter, from generation to generation. Let us each fill the cup of Miriam with water from our own glasses, so that our daughters may continue to draw from the strength and wisdom of our heritage. When Miriam’s cup is filled, raise the goblet and say: We place Miriam’s cup on our seder table to honor the important role of Jewish women in our tradition and history, whose stories have been too sparingly told.

“You abound in blessings, God, creator of the universe, Who sustains us with living water. May we, like the Children of Israel leaving Egypt, be guarded and nurtured and kept alive in the wilderness, and may You give us wisdom to understand that the journey itself holds the promise of redemption. Amen.”


haggadah Section: -- Cup #2 & Dayenu