B"H
Friday, Adar2 22, 5782 / March 25, 2022
This Shabbat is the third Shabbat before Pesach in which we read from more than one Torah. Two Torahs will be removed from the ark. In the first one we read the Parsha of the week, Shemini, and in the second Torah we read Parshat Parah.
In Parshat Shmini the Torah relates what took place on the day the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was dedicated. On that day two of Aaron’s sons passed away. We also read about the kosher and non-kosher animals, foul and fish etc.
In the second Torah we read about the purification process for one who is impure and needs to become purified in order to go to the Tabernacle to bring their sacrifice offering. We read this because we are getting closer to Pesach when every Jew, during the time of the Temple, needed to bring the Pesach sacrifice and then eat of its meat at the Pesach Seder.
Q. Why are the Pesach matzot made with holes in them?
A. To make them holy (just kidding). The holes are made to prevent the dough from rising and becoming leavened (chametz) which is prohibited on Pesach. The holes keep the matzot flat.
Q. Why do we, in addition to the four cups of wine which we drink at the Seder, also fill an additional cup of wine, called, "The Cup of Elijah"?
A. The four cups of wine represent the four expressions of redemption which G-d told Moshe to inform the Jewish people of their future liberation from Egypt. In addition to the four expressions, G-d also told Moshe, "I will bring them into the land [Israel]... I will give it to you for an inheritance." (Exodus 6:8). To commemorate that G-d promised them the Holy Land, we fill up a fifth cup.
The four cups which we drink at the Seder commemorate our past redemption. The "Cup of Elijah" 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, when we will return to the Holy Land. Thus, it is called Elijah’s cup. May it occur speedily in our days!
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 significance of the salt-water at the Seder?
A. The salt-water is symbolic of the "tears" which the Jewish people shed as a result of their suffering during their enslavement in Egypt.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 6:55 / Shabbat ends: 8:00