Passover 2026 will begin at sundown on Wednesday, April 1, so now’s the time to brush up on everything you’ve been wondering about the holiday.
Today we’re exploring the fascinating tradition and symbolism behind Miriam’s Cup – a more modern ritual that’s taken on a feminist meaning.
Miriam's cup is a modern piece of Passover Judaica that some Jews have added to their Seder table. You likely won't find it among strict traditionalists, but it has taken on an important meaning for some Jewish families today.
The cup is placed at the Seder table next to Elijah's cup and filled with water, to represent the Biblical Miriam and her well, which was a source of water for the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt. Jewish legends say that Miriam's well was magical and had followed the Israelites throughout their journey, in addition to having mystical healing powers.
Having a cup in Miriam's honor at the Seder marks the important and sometimes overlooked role of Miriam in the Passover story, and by extension that of all the Jewish women during the Exodus and throughout Jewish history. This tradition is therefore often treated as a consciously feminist act of making space for and recognizing women and their roles.
A Miriam's cup at a Passover Seder can be a specially labeled cup, or simply a Kiddush cup or any other kind of nice cup or glass. It should be distinct from your Elijah cup and other drinking glasses, and filled with water.
If you'd like to add this tradition to your Passover celebrations, turn a Kiddush cup into a Miriam cup and fill it water for your Seder!
Check out our full lines of Kiddush cups and Elijah cups, as well as the rest of our Passover collection for all your holiday needs in one place!
