Feminist
Rituals
in the Passover Seder
Like
most religions, Judaism developed within a patriarchal society.
Men recorded and interpreted religious law and wrote the
traditional prayers. Contemporary Jewish women face a dilemma-how
can they forge a Jewish religious identity consistent with
feminist values?
The
Passover Exodus story of oppression and liberation echoes
feminist struggles. Like the Israelites, women need to step
outside familiar subservient roles in society and attempt
a riskier life of independence and responsibility. Thus,
Passover is the ideal holiday to highlight past and present
concerns about the inclusion and equality of women in Jewish
traditions and community.

Jewish
feminists have supplemented and enhanced the Passover seder
by:
1)
holding additional, women-only seders,
2) writing alternate feminist haggadot,
3) sharing a leadership role in conducting the seder,
4) replacing male-biased language and content in the traditional
haggadah,
5) discussing the role of women in the Exodus story,
6) dedicating each cup of wine to Jewish women who can
serve as role models for women's equality, and
7) developing meaningful new rituals and songs.

New
rituals include the addition of "Miriam's cup,"
filled with water to symbolize Miriam's miraculous well
(learn more about the origin
of Miriam's cup and the Legend
of Miriam's Well). The well was given by God in honor
of Miriam, the prophetess, and nurtured the Israelites throughout
their journey in the desert ((Babylonian Talmud, Ta'anit
9a). In addition, an orange sometimes is placed on the seder
plate, as a gesture of solidarity with Jewish lesbians and
gay men, and others who are marginalized within the Jewish
community (read more about
the origin of the orange on the seder plate from Susannah
Heschel).

The
first feminist seder was organized by Esther Broner, Marcia
Freedman, and Nomi Nimrod in Haifa in 1975. Inspired by
this experience, Ms. Broner and Nimrod wrote The Women's
Haggadah, first used in New York and Haifa in 1976. The
Women's Haggadah follows the tradition Seder order, but
alters the elements to insert the lives of biblical and
rabbinic women in the story, to speak of past and current
oppression of women, and to enhance the spiritual journey
of self-discovery. Subsequently, women throughout the United
States organized seders, often composing their own text.

New
Haggadot have evolved from these feminist seders. Some of
these currently in print are listed in the bibliography
accompanying this text. Feminist haggadot emphasize the
independence and strength of women, pay tribute to defiant,
rather than submissive behavior, teach about the unsung
heroines of the biblical and rabbinic period, and recall
personal matriarchal ancestors. From these Haggadot, our
daughters can remember the oppression of their foremothers,
as if it had happened to them.

Attending
a feminist seder is a unique and uplifting experience. Still,
there is a need to incorporate new rituals that add women's
content and experience into the family seder. A new ritual
for Miriam's cup can enhance Passover seder traditions (see
"Rituals"). In addition,
we can remember and honor a notable Jewish woman each year
by presenting her story (see "Biography").
Finally, dancing or singing with timbrels in honor of Miriam
recalls the joy of freedom after crossing the Red Sea (see
"Music").

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