Miriam

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Miriam was born in Egypt during the Israelites’ enslavement under Pharaoh, centuries before the Exodus. She was the daughter of Amram and Yocheved and the older sister of Aaron and Moses. From a young age, Miriam showed courage, intelligence, and spiritual insight. According to Jewish tradition, she was already recognized as a prophetess even before Moses’ birth — foretelling that her mother would give birth to a child who would free the Israelites. When Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew baby boys killed, Miriam watched over her infant brother Moses as he floated in a basket down the Nile. She cleverly intervened when Pharaoh’s daughter found the baby, arranging for their mother to nurse him. This early act of bravery helped preserve the life of Israel’s future leader. 

Miriam is best known as one of the key female leaders in the Exodus story and as the first woman in the Torah explicitly called a prophetess (neviah). She played a central role in leading and inspiring the Israelites. After the crossing of the Red Sea, Miriam took a tambourine, led the women in song and dance, and celebrated God’s deliverance in what is often called “The Song of Miriam.” Her leadership extended beyond music — she symbolized faith, courage, and hope. Later rabbinic tradition also associates the miraculous “Well of Miriam,” a source of water that sustained the Israelites in the desert, with her merit and presence. Her story highlights the essential role of women in guiding, supporting, and sustaining the Jewish people both physically and spiritually. 

Miriam’s legacy endures as a model of leadership, prophetic voice, and female empowerment in Jewish and world history. Her courage in confronting Pharaoh’s decree, her creativity in ensuring Moses’ safety, and her joyful worship at the Red Sea inspired generations of women and men to stand for justice and faith. Her life reminds us that leadership often comes through compassion, music, and moral strength. In modern Jewish practice, some families include a “Cup of Miriam” filled with water alongside Elijah’s cup at the Passover Seder — symbolizing the living waters of faith, renewal, and the often-overlooked contributions of women to Jewish survival and freedom. Through her example, Miriam continues to teach lessons about courage, worship, and equality.

• First woman in the Torah called a prophetess (neviah).
   
• Protected baby Moses and ensured his survival during Pharaoh’s decree.
   
• Led Israelite women in song and dance after crossing the Red Sea.
   
• Associated with the “Well of Miriam,” a miraculous source of water in the desert.
   
• Serves as a timeless model of faith, courage, and female leadership in Jewish tradition.
   
• Inspired modern rituals celebrating women’s roles in Judaism (e.g., Cup of Miriam at Passover).
   

Divide the class into small groups. Each group acts out a scene from Miriam’s life, such as:

• Watching baby Moses in the Nile.
   
• Leading the women in song with tambourines.
   
• Encouraging faith during the desert journey.
   

After each performance, discuss:
What leadership qualities did Miriam show?
How do her actions relate to modern leadership or activism?

Provide art supplies and have students create their own visual interpretation of Miriam’s Well.
Ask them to illustrate what the “living water” represents: hope? community? renewal?
Students can then share their art and explain the symbolism behind their design.