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The Four Cups: Expressions of Gratitude
Mrs. Ilana Gottlieb

The Daled Kosos, the rabbinic requirement to drink four cups of wine, provide the structure around which the Haggadah is recited. Given the central role it plays at the Seder, it is worth considering the source for this mitzvah.

Many of us are familiar with the opinion of Rashi (Bamidbar 15:41) that the four cups were established to parallel the "Arba Leshonos Shel Ge'ulah," the four terms used in the Torah to describe the redemption.

God declares:

(1) "ve'hotzeisi eschem mi'tachas sivlos mitzrayim" - I will take you out from the Egyptian oppression
(2) "ve'hitzalti eschem me'avodasam" - I will save you from their servitude
(3) "ve'gealti eschem bizroah netuyah" - I will redeem you with an outstretched arm
(4) "ve'lakachti eschem li le'am" - I will take you to be My people.

Not as well known, however, is the subtle variation of this presentation that is found in the Talmud Yerushalmi (Pesachim, chapt. 10). While the same verses are cited as the source for the obligation, yet in the Yerushalmi they are characterized not as the "Arba Leshonos Shel Ge'ulah," the four terms of redemption, but rather, as "Arba Ge'ulos," the four redemptions.

The Torah Temimah suggests that there is deep distinction between these two versions.

"Arba Leshonos," four terms of redemption, conveys the idea that these are different ways of describing the same phenomenon. There is one ge'ulah, one salvation, and this one ge'ulah is described in four different ways.

But if that's the case, wonders the Torah Temimah, why four different cups? We are celebrating the actual geula and there should only be one cup.

On the other hand, the version of "Arba Ge'ulos," indicates that there are actually four different salvations being celebrated. The Torah Temimah explains that upon further examination there are actually four distinct stages alluded to by these different terms.

The first is "ve'hotzeisi," which refers to the fact that Hashem lessoned the burden of their work. The Jews were still slaves but it wasn't as hard as it had been previously. As a result there was a need for the second redemption, "ve'hitzalti," when God grants them complete emancipation. They were no longer slaves, but they were still living under an oppressive and tyrannical regime. So Hashem delivers a third salvation, "ve'ga'alti," now the Jewish people are free and can actually leave Egypt. But there is still one thing missing, and that is the final ge'ulah, "ve'lakachti." Now they have not only freedom, but more importantly, a purpose to that freedom; they became Hashem's "Chosen People."

According to this text,there are actually four different ge'ulos, four independent salvations, symbolized by the four separate cups.

The significance of this insight is of profound importance, not just because in deepens our understanding of Yetzias Mitzrayim, but also because of the lesson it can teach us about many areas of our own challenging lives.

Even though the redemption from Egypt was not complete until receiving the Torah at Sinai, we are still appreciative of all of the different "partial salvations" along the way towards that final goal. That's why we drink four cups of wine because by so doing we are declaring, in essence, that there can be redemption even without total redemption. Each one of the four, while incomplete, is still significant and, therefore, still deserving of our appreciation.

Similarly, when it comes to our own personal lives, we must be appreciative of what we have been blessed with even when things are not perfect. In all aspects of our lives - be it personal or professional - we can find things which are lacking and which could be improved upon. But the key to life isn't in looking for all of ways that life isn't perfect but by being thankful for all of the ways that life is great. Sure we can and should strive for greater success in all areas of life. But we must be appreciative for the happiness, success, and fulfillment which we already possess.

Ve'hotzeisi, Ve'hitzalti, Ve'ga'alti, Ve'lakachti: four different ge'ulos, all of which are worthy of their own cup of blessing.

We all have so much to be thankful for... here are a few of the highlights that our students have experienced this year at Midreshet Amit.

• Leaning and exposure to teachers who are not only mechanchim and mechanchot but who are also became your role models and confidantes
• Experiencing daily life changing moments with the children of Beit Hayeled
• Connecting to the Land of Israel and the People of Israel by living with Israelis and traveling around the country for tiyulim and Shabbatot
• Creating new and deep friendships with new friends

As we reflect back, it is time to experience gratitude for all of the various experiences this year.

Wishing you and your families a Chag Kasher V'sameach!