Reader 1: The story has been told of a miraculous well of living water which had accompanied the Jewish people since the world was spoken into being. The well comes and goes, as it is needed, and as we remember, forget, and remember again how to call it to us. In the time of the exodus from Mitzrayim, the well came to Miriam, in honor of her courage and action, and stayed with the Jews as they wandered the desert. Upon Miriam’s death, the well again disappeared.

Reader 2: We use the cup as a feminist symbol of the importance of women, who are often overlooked in our traditional texts, but were integral to the survival of our people- both in the desert and throughout history. Also, water is a life-sustaining force and a human right. It is an important environmental justice symbol as all humans deserve access to clean water. It can also symbolize sustenance in general- what are things that give us life and sustain us? Whether its food, water, shelter, or our relationships to others, education, etc. Think about the things in life that sustain you through times of hardship.

Reader 3: “Zot Kos Miryam, kos mayim hayim. Zeikher l’yitziat Mitztrayim.

This is the Cup of Miriam, the cup of living waters. Let us remember the Exodus from Egypt. These are the living waters, God’s gift to Miriam, which gave new life to Israel as we struggled with ourselves in the wilderness. Blessed are You God, Who brings us from the narrows into the wilderness, sustains us with endless possibilities, and enables us to reach a new place.”


haggadah Section: Bareich