Elijah

Haggadah Section: Hallel

Participant: 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.

Participant: This door could be the temple door, opened in Jerusalem, on the Seder night to receive those who came out foot from all around the country to appear in the place where God can be most intimately encountered.

Participant: This door could be the door of every synagogue, opened throughout the ages to demonstrate Jewish innocence before the slanders who spread rumors of terrible things Jews did behind closed portals on Seder night.

Participant: This door could be the door of every Jewish home, open before hostile neighbors to show that the Seder celebration was meant to harm none, but to promise justice for the oppressed – and retribution for the oppressors

Participant: This door has also been opened by our oppressors themselves: by the Spanish Inquisition, taking our people out to false trials and executions; By the SS troops of Hitler, dragging our people out from there hiding places for their dining tables; by the secret police of the Soviet KGB, hustling our people off the torture in prison or to the Siberian wastes.

Participant: But Doors have two sides. We spend some moments now recalling how the door has been opened to throw us into the terrifying night of suffering, but let’s also recall how it is been opened to rescue us from that night and hold aloft the hope of suffering end.

Together:

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.

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs38 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
12 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.