Miriam and the women dancing after crossing the sea!
This painting is a glimpse of the circle dance with Miriam the prophetess. In the picture, we see the circular drum which reflects the dance the women danced on the other side of the Sea of Reeds. It is astonishing how rushed the moment was when we left Egypt, when it was time to go, it was time to go. This is obvious by the fact that the bread had no time to rise; matzo, like a cracker, stayed flat. I always think it is amazing that on the other side of the Sea, the women were dancing with their drums. This means that even in that moment of running for their lives without a second to spare, the women made sure to bring their drums. This reflects the deep faith of the Jewish people, knowing that even though we were (or are) slaves, we will be free. So, we need to be ready, drum in hand!
The circle also alludes to circular consciousness. That is, we recognize that we are all in this together. There is no head or tail of a circle. This expansive consciousness represented by the circle was always a part of the deep inner knowing of the Jewish woman. A deep faith and interconnectedness to our families, friends, and the whole world. Get your drums ready!