Messiah in Pesach Chapter 32
- Hallel
- The Fourth Cup of Restoration
#13. Hallel
Singing Songs of Praise – The Fourth Cup (Restoration).
At this point, having recognized the Almighty and His unique guidance of the Jewish people, we go still further and sing His praises as the Sovereign Ruler of the entire universe. After reciting the Hallel, we again recite the blessing over wine and drink the fourth cup, reclining. The Seder Leader calls out Hallel. After the blessing, some families will lift the extra cup from Elijah’s place at the table and pour koso shel Eliyahu HaNavi, the cup of the Prophet Elijah. A child is then asked to open the door to welcome Elijah to the Seder. This is based on a minhag (custom) from the Rabbinical reading of Malachi which says, “Look, I will send Elijah the prophet before the coming and great day of Adonai.” The well-known song Eliyahu HaNavi is sung at this time: Elijah the Prophet, Elijah the Tishibite, Elijah the Gileadite. Speedily in our days will come to us the Messiah, the son of David.
The Fourth Cup of Restoration:
We now come to the fourth and final cup of wine for the Seder.
This cup represents the fourth “I will” statement of Exodus 6:6-7 – “I will acquire you as a nation.” Since Messiah told his disciples that He would not drink the fourth cup but promised to do so with them in the coming Kingdom it is called the Cup of Restoration. For this cup is to only be fully savored after all Israel shall be saved (i.e. restored). We pour the fourth cup of wine and recite portions of the Hallel prayer, praising Adonai for His kindness and grace to us. Therefore, we give thanks to Adonai our God for His goodness to Israel by reciting Psalm 136:1-16:
“Glory be to Adonai for the kindness of His love.”
תהילה ל ה’ על חסד אהבתו.פ
“Give thanks to HaShem, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of gods,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who made the heavens with skill,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who spread out the earth above the waters,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
To Him who made the great lights,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting:
The sun to rule by day,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
To Him who smote the Egyptians in their firstborn,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And brought Israel out from their midst,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
With a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
To Him who divided the Red Sea asunder,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And made Israel pass through the midst of it,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
But He overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Reed Sea,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
To Him who led His people through the wilderness,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
We now lift the fourth Cup of Restoration and drink it after reciting the blessing:
“Blessed are You, Adonai Eloheinu, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.”
ברוך אתה, אדוני אלוהינו, מלך העולם, בורא פרי הגפן.פ
“Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, melech ha’olam, Borei p’ri hagafen.”