Cup of Elijah
There is an extra cup of wine on every Passover table. We call it the Cup of Elijah. It reminds us on this day, when we look far back into our past, that we must also look far ahead to the future. We have always dared to hope that a time will come when all people will be at peace with each other, when no one will be afraid or in need, and justice will be everywhere. There is an ancient belief that when that perfect time is near, Elijah the Prophet will announce its coming. Then the world will be filled with goodness, as this cup is filled with wine. We open our door to welcome Elijah and his message of peace. We open our door as a promise that we will try to live in such a way that the perfect time will be brought closer by what we do.
Ei-li-ya-hu ha-na-vi,
Ei-li-ya-hu ha-tish-bi;
Ei-li-ya-hu, Ei-li-ya-hu,
Ei-li-ya-hu ha-gil-a-di.
Bi-me-hei-ra ve-ya-mei-nu,
ya-vo ei-lei-nu;
im ma-shi-ach ben Da-vid,
im ma-shi-ach ben Da-vid.
Elijah the prophet, Elijah the Tishbite, Elijah of Gilead. Soon, in our days, Elijah will come with the Messiah, the son of David.
The Fourth Cup of Wine
Let us now raise our cup of wine, as we remember with hope in our hearts the fourth and final promise of redemption: "I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God." We have eaten together; may our food give us strength for the tasks undone. Now we drink this one last time; may our wine give us joy for the work ahead.
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam Borei p-ri ha-ga-fen.
You are Blessed, O God, Ruler of time and space, who creates the fruit of the vine.
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