The life of Miriam examined at Rosh Hodesh program

We all know the biblical Miriam as the woman dancing with the timbrel, but what can we learn from her?  This is the question Marcia Kaunfer posed at the Women’s Alliance Spring Rosh Hodesh program, held on March 31 at Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.

The program began with remarks from Rosh Hodesh Committee member Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow, who spoke about the impact the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island has in the community. She highlighted Jewish Family Service as one of the many agencies that the Alliance helps support, and spoke about a few of their programs. She then introduced the program’s keynote speaker, Jewish educator Marcia Kaunfer, by praising her accomplishments and demonstrating Kaunfer’s influence in the community with quotes from her former students.

Kaunfer, of Providence, reviewed texts from the Torah that mention Miriam, from when she was a young girl to when she was an old woman. She also gave out photos depicting Miriam in different ways, most portraying her as the vibrant songstress and dancer who most people know. In addition, she included photos of leprous hands and a well, which both describe Miriam in ways that are lesser known. The text discussion was based on how Miriam was represented, and why.

At the conclusion of the program, Kaunfer had attendees write a cinquain, a type of poem, about Miriam to read at their Passover seders. At many seders, Miriam has a strong presence, just as Elijah traditionally does. 

The Alliance hosts two Rosh Hodesh programs every year. For more information about these programs, contact Danielle Germanowski at dgermanowski@jewishallianceri.org or 401-421-4111, ext. 109. 

HILLARY SCHULMAN is a development associate at the Jewish Alliance.