This fifth cup of wine has passed down through generations of women, beginning with Sarah.  It has spilled and, yet, like the bush on fire but never consumed, the glass continues to overflow.  The Kabbalists (the Maharal, 16th c., Prague) believe that we drink 4 cups of wine in memory of our 4 matriarchs.  The fifth cup, named for Miriam who led us through the straights of Reed Sea in song and dance, is in memory of Zelophechad’s five daughters.  They marked the beginning of gender equality before the law.


haggadah Section: Commentary / Readings
Source: original