The Cups of Redemption

G‑d used four expressions of redemption in describing our Exodus from Egypt and our birth as a nation. Our sages instituted that we drink a cup of wine for each one. During the Seder, we can experience these elements of redemption in a spiritual sense, by leaving our "Egypt" and our servitude to our egos.

There is actually a fifth expression in the Torah: "And I will bring you to the land which I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you as an inheritance." While the Exodus from Egypt and the birth of the Jewish nation were permanent, we have yet to be brought to Israel on a permanent basis.

In honor of this verse, we have a fifth cup at the Seder: the Cup of Elijah. This cup is set up for Elijah during the second half of the Seder, but we do not drink it. Elijah will announce the arrival of Moshiach, who will bring all Jews to Israel, for good.

This Sunday is Yud Alef Nissan, the birthday of the Rebbe. The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, is considered to be the most phenomenal Jewish personality of modern times.

To hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of sympathizers and admirers around the world, he is "the Rebbe," undoubtedly, the one individual more than any other singularly responsible for stirring the conscience and spiritual awakening of world Jewry, striving for a world of complete peace with the coming of Moshiach!

We pray that we will once again see our Rebbe, together with the coming of Moshiach, may it be very soon!

This Friday, light Shabbat candles at (in NYC) 7:01 PM. Passover begins Wednesday evening. See www.Passover.org for complete instructions on how to celebrate!

Shabbat Shalom & Chag Sameach!