Q: What is the meaning of Elijah’s cup at the Passover Seder?
A: Elijah was a prophet whose life is chronicled in the books of the Bible. Against a dark background, Elijah ventures for us to battle against evil. This prophet stands apart from the rest by dint of his great personal power and connection to God. Fearlessly, Elijah denounces wickedness and promises retribution against the perpetrators of evil.
Legend has it that Elijah did not die but was taken in a fiery chariot up to the Celestial Chambers of the Holy One. Signaling the coming deliverance of the Jewish people, Elijah will again appear on earth as the precursor to the Messiah. Elijah’s bold life actions and apocalyptic associations mark him as larger than life.
On Passover, as we retell and ancient tale of our bondage we anticipate the time when we will never be persecuted or hated again. The fifth cup of wine is our symbol of our desire to usher in the messianic era. We open doors just prior to the end of the seder in every Jewish household throughout the world, as if to hasten the day when Elijah, harbinger of peace, will come.
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