A Place At The Table For Miriam.

As a Jewish educator, I am constantly struck by how much of our history and tradition has been shaped by men. From the biblical figures we learn about in synagogue to the heroes of modern Jewish history, it often feels like women are left out of the story. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Passover narrative, where Miriam, one of the most important figures in our history, is often overlooked.

Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, played a crucial role in the story of the Exodus. She watched over her baby brother as he floated down the Nile, lead the Israelites in song and dance after the parting of the Red Sea, and brought forth water during the Israelites' wanderings in the desert. Yet despite all these important contributions, Miriam is often relegated to the sidelines of the Passover narrative, mentioned only briefly in passing.

So why has Miriam been left out of the story? There are likely many factors at play, from the patriarchal nature of our tradition to the fact that the Exodus story has been retold countless times over the centuries, with each telling emphasizing different aspects of the narrative. But regardless of the reasons behind her absence, it's clear that we are missing out on an important part of our history by leaving Miriam out of the Passover story.

So how can we bring Miriam back into the narrative? One way is to incorporate her into our Passover celebrations. This can be as simple as putting Miriam’s cup filled with water alongside Elijah’s cup, to symbolize Miriam’s well, setting aside a place at the seder table for Miriam, or reciting the traditional "Miriam's Song" (Exodus 15:1-2) during the seder. We can also use storytelling and other creative approaches to highlight Miriam's role in the Exodus story, emphasizing the bravery, strength, and leadership she displayed throughout the journey from slavery to freedom.

In addition to these more practical approaches, we can also work to shift the broader narrative around Jewish history and tradition to be more inclusive of women. This means highlighting the stories of female biblical figures like Miriam, Deborah, and Ruth, as well as the accomplishments of women in modern Jewish history. It also means working to dismantle patriarchal structures within our communities and institutions and creating spaces where women's voices and experiences are valued and heard.

Ultimately, bringing Miriam back into the Passover narrative is about more than just correcting an omission in the story. It's about honoring the important contributions of women throughout Jewish history and recognizing the vital role that they continue to play in shaping our community and our world today. By working to bring Miriam back into the story, we can help create a more inclusive and just Jewish community for all.