Win a FREE Miriam’s Cup – Tell Us Your Passover Traditions17th March 2010
WIN THIS MIRIAM’S CUP BY EMILY ROSENFELD
A COMMENT ON THE BLOG ENTERS YOUR NAME TO WIN
I’m very excited about introducing a new tradition at my Passover Seder this year (which I’m hosting for the first time) that’s not really a tradition at all – the Miriam’s Cup. I wanted to make this new tradition fun for the kids and special for adults, so I did research on Miriam and learned how to incorporate the Miriam’s Cup into my Seder. What started as a curiosity turned into an article, complete with gorgeous pictures and rituals for honoring Miriam, called “Miriam’s Cup – A New Tradition That Brings Women Into The Heart Of Judaism.” I know you’ll enjoy it. Here is an excerpt:
“Miriam’s Cup brings honor to a heroic woman of the Bible. It was her faith, confidence, and wisdom that gave comfort to the Hebrews and helped them overcome the hardships of the desert during their Exodus from Egypt. She stood side by side with Moses and Aaron as they passed through the Red Sea, and she is heralded for her strength. The “Miriam’s Cup” is symbolic because it is the first time a women is so honored at one of the most important Jewish celebrations of the year. It serves as a reminder that there were many unheralded woman of the Bible whose contributions helped define and nourish Jewish culture.”
WIN A FREE MIRIAM’S CUP! ADD A COMMENT ABOUT YOUR PASSOVER TRADITIONS BELOW TO ENTER
While the Miriam’s Cup is a new tradition, there are many traditions that have been passed down for generations. We would love to hear about your favorite traditions – new or old, playful or solemn. I’ve been to Seders where gummi worms were locusts, and mini-marshmallows were given to each guest to throw at each other for hail. I’ve eaten red jello when water turned into blood and had lots of fun while celebrating Passover. Share with us your favorite traditions in the comment section below and we will enter you in a drawing for a FREE Emily Rosenfeld Miriam’s Cup worth $90! We are excited to hear from you! And let your friends know, too.
And don’t miss, “Miriam’s Cup – A New Tradition That Brings Women Into The Heart Of Judaism.”
Our Passover tradition does not include the full ceremony. We just partake of the bread and the wine. However, women are not excluded from Judaism. Only women are allowed to light the Sabbath candles. It was said that Abraham and Isaac suffered greatly for the ten years after Sarah died until Isaac took Rebecca to be his wife. They needed a woman to raise up the Sabbath lights. We stress the lighting of the Sabbath lights each Friday.
Our Passover tradition includes all the traditional foods, a short service, the hiding of the Matzoh…no matter which grandchild finds it, both are given money. It is a lovely time for families to come together.
Our tradition includes opening the front door for the prophet Elijah and singing a few Passover songs while we stand by the door. It is fun and our version of “Christmas” carols! We rejoice in the spirit of Passover by spreading a little joy!
Our Passover tradition includes all the traditional foods and a very short service, and opening the door for Elijah!
Our Not so Traditonal Passover tradion is entitled,” MAKE YOUR OWN PLAGUES .”One year, my mother sent ten paper bags just before Passover. Each of these bags were to open when we came to the reading of the Ten Plagues. My small children positively squirmed with delight as they imagined what was in each small sack. They were not disappointed. Here is some of what was inside: · Squishy eyeballs for boils· Pretend grasshoppers for vermin · Tiny plastic skeletons for the slaying of the first born · And, certainly the most popular, Ping-Pong balls for hail (which my children promptly threw across the table at each other throughout the Seder). These “bagged plagues” have become a family tradition, and each year my children eagerly anticipate what my mother will find to represent each of the plagues.
Oh and i forgot to mention that my grandmothers name is Miriam and we would love to have the Miriam cup to Honor her Name! Thanks for letting us share our Tradion!
I had not heard of the tradition of the Miriam’s Cup until my sister brought it to my attention yesterday. I have been researching the how – why – where – and when – and am so pleased to see that although Miriam is a woman from the Old Testament which tells little of her works and wonders – her spirit now lives anew thanks to this movement.
My newest tradition is that Chabad of Morgantown, WV sends us handmade Shmurah Matzah for Passover- something that we truly cannot get here in the mountains of McDowell County, West Virginia where my husband and I have our home and historic inn (The Elkhorn Inn & Theatre)! This is the second year they’ve sent us that wonderful Matzah, and we’re making a donation to Chabad of Morgantown as a thank you and to encourage the wonderful work they do. It’s a tradition I hope will continue… for sometimes it gets Very lonely being a Jew out here in the “wilderness”! Chabad Lubavitch rocks! 🙂
(And my mommy’s name is Miriam, too- though she’s always called herself Mimi!)