Four Cups Of Wine

Many people wonder why we drink four cups of wine on Passover. Well, there are many reasons. First of all wine is a royal drink that symbolises freedom. So it is the appropriate beverage to drink on Passover when we celebrate our freedom from slavery. In addition, the four cups of wine symbolizes the four expressions of redemption God used to convince the Jews that they should leave Egypt

1. I shall free you,,

2. I shall deliver you,

3. I shall redeem you, and

4. I shall take you to be my people.

The four cups of wine (or other representatives of wine like grape juice or Manischewitz) reminds us that Passover is a time of joy.

These are just a few of the reasons why we drink four cups on Passover.

The first cup of wine - the Kiddush, is the blessing.

Baruch Atah Adonai, elohenu melech, ho-olam, boray p'ri ha-gafen

Praised be thou, oh Lord our God, King of the Universe, creator of the fruit of the Vine