Rosh Chodesh Nisan By Rachel Dubowe, Jewish Life Specialist

       Rosh Chodesh Nisan marks the month of Nisan, the month of Passover. It is also said that the prophetess, Miriam, died on this day. Miriam is a pivotal character in our Passover story as she led our people in dance and song when we triumphantly made it out of the Sea of Reeds. As we come out of Purim and its lineup of incredible female heroines, Passover brings us Miriam, yet another iconic female in our tradition. RitualWell describes this epic scene at the Sea of Reeds: “Miriam leads the song and dance. She teaches the sounds which the sea has taught her, in a chorus of voices: the exultant tenor of the wind, the chiming bell of the sky, the bellowing bass of the mountains, the mournful croak of the valleys, the newfound voice of the people.” Exodus 15:20-21 describes the scene, “And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and dances. And Miriam answered them, “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider has he thrown into the sea.” Painted between both accounts are imagery of joy, movement, nature, and leadership. Not only does Miriam have such a beautiful and physical reaction of joy, but she also has all of the women right behind her ready to celebrate as well. She exuberates joy and leadership – What does it look like to be such a joyful leader today?         Rosh Chodesh exists to mark the beginning of a new month, to recognize the past of the last month and to look ahead to the future of the new month. On this Rosh Chodesh Nisan, let us honor Miriam’s memory by striving to be more like her during this month of spring, rebirth, and Passover. How are you already like Miriam in your life? What actions of joy are you going to partake in this month?