B"H
Monday, Nissan 3, 5778 / March 19, 2018
Pesach (Passover) will begin next week, Friday night, March 30. Pesach is a seven day holiday in Israel and eight days in the Diaspora.
The holiday of Pesach is associated with the number four. Four questions are asked. The Hagadah speaks of Four sons and we drink Four cups of wine at the Seder.
Q. Why is the Seder connected with the number four?
A. When G-d told Moshe to go liberate the Jewish people from Egypt, He used four expressions of redemption. The four cups of wine at the Seder correspond to the four expressions of redemption mentioned in Exodus (6:6-7):
G-d said to Moshe, "Therefore, say to the children of Israel: 'I am the L-rd, and I will bring you out ("V'hotzeti") from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you ("V'hitzalti") from their bondage, and I will redeem you ("V'ga’alti") with an outstretched arm and with great judgment. And I will take you ("V'lakachti") to Me for a people and I will be to you a G-d.”
Q. Why were cups of wine chosen to commemorate our redemption?
A. In Scriptures, wine is associated with happiness, salvation and redemption. Thus, we celebrate our redemption and salvation through four cups of wine.
Q. What is the reason for filling the "Cup of Eliyahu (Elijah)" at the Seder?
A. The four cups which we drink at the Seder commemorate our past redemption. The "Cup of Eliyahu" symbolizes our future and ultimate redemption with the coming of Moshiach. According to tradition, Eliyahu HaNavi (Elijah the prophet) will be the one to inform us of Moshiach's arrival. Thus, this cup is called, “Cup of Eliyahu.” May it occur speedily in our days!
Q. Why do we open the door for Eliyahu (Elijah the Prophet)?
A. As mentioned, The "Cup of Eliyahu" symbolizes our prayer for the ultimate redemption with the coming of Moshiach. Opening the door teaches us that it is not enough to desire Moshiach, but we have to actively do something to hasten the coming of Moshiach and to let him in.
Another reason for opening the door is that the Torah calls the night of the Seder "Leil Shimurim" - "The night of guarding". On this night, G-d takes special care to guard the people of Israel. Opening the door expresses our belief that we are not afraid, for G-d is watching over us.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY