Number 34: At the Seder we drink four cups of wine that reflect the joy of liberation.  Traditionally the cups represent the four terms used to describe the redemption: I shall take you out, rescue you, redeem you, bring you.

At our Seder Table we take each Cup of Wine to mean the following:

The First Cup symbolises Hope. We fill ourselves with Hope that we will move beyond the crises of today to a time when all are free from hunger, disease and all forms of oppression.

The Second Cup represents our joy at the wonder of our deliverance from bondage to freedom. In the words of the special prayer:  “Sheh he cheyanu, Ve kiyamanu, Ve higyanu lazman haze”. “That we have been granted life, been sustained and been enabled to reach this occasion”

Pesach celebrates the specific identity of the Jewish People. But it is also, fundamentally, a story based on Universal messages and values. The Third Cup gives tribute to the Universal spirit within all, that strives for Freedom of all humanity which shares a common destiny.

We sing after the Third Cup: “Hinei Ma Tov OoMaNaim Shevet Achim Gam Yachad”: How good and pleasant it is to gather and sit together as brothers and sisters.

The Fourth Cup is dedicated to those who have created significant change in their Communities. The Cup is raised to Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. It is also raised to the Youth, to all leaders and all people who make a positive difference in their Societies and the World.

There is also a Fifth Cup – We open the door and welcome Elijah who, legend has it, will return someday bringing a new world order with no war, cruelty or enslavement.

The Sixth Cup is Miriam’s Cup  – Filled with water rather than wine, it represents the role of women and the miracle of finding water in the dry desert and thus sustaining life.

The Seventh Cup is empty for anyone at the table to lift at any time, signifying a pause – to ask a question or contribute to the discussion.