Miriam, the sister of Moses, was a strong prophet who first saved Moses when he was a baby and then joined him to lead the Jewish people to freedom.

As Miriam once led the women of Israel in song and dance to praise God for the miracle of splitting the Red Sea, so we now rejoice and celebrate freedom.

Miriam's cup is filled with water, rather than wine. A legend teaches us that a miraculous well accompanied the Hebrews throughout their journey in the desert, providing them with water. This well was given by God to Miriam to honor her bravery and leadership in helping the Jewish people escape Egypt.

We now fill Miriam's cup with water to honor her role in ensuring the survival of the Jewish people. Let everyone now drink a cup of water as a symbol that our daughters may continue to draw from the strength and wisdom of their heritage.

(Fill Miriam’s cup. When Miriam’s cup is filled, raise the goblet)

Everyone:

We place Miriam's cup on our Seder table to honor the important role of women in our tradition and history. Their stories have been told too little.


haggadah Section: Urchatz