A new tradition has become popular in modern Judaism: Miriam's cup, filled with water. Miriam's role in the Exodus is multifaceted: she watches over Moses as he floats in the Nile, ensuring his safekeeping, and she helps keep the Jewish people alive with her miraculous well of water during the crossing of the Red Sea. This has often been the role of women in history: keeping the people alive while men get more credit.

But not tonight. Tonight, we fill Miriam's cup from our own water cups as a promise to share the burdens of life with each other. As we pass Miriam's cup around the table, think of someone you want to honor for sustaining you this past year. It can be a woman, in honor of Miriam, or anyone who you hold near to your heart. As you say their name aloud or in your heart, please pour some of your water into the cup. I also invite you to share something your mother or grandmother did to pass on her legacy that lives on in you and your life.

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