As we proceed through this HAGGADAH we will be drinking from four cups of wine (or from one cup four different times). The importance of this is so great, that we are told a person should sell personal belongings, do any type of work, or even beg in order to have money for the ceremonial wine. The reason that so much importance is placed on having the wine is due to the fact that it is considered to the act of proclaiming the wonderful miracle of redemption.
The four cups stand for the four “I wills” which God spoke in Exodus 6:6-7:
THE CUP OF SANCTIFICATION: I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.
THE CUP OF JUDGMENT: I will deliver you from their bondage.
THE CUP OF REDEMPTION: I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm.
THE CUP OF PRAISE: Then I will take you for my people.
THE KIDDUSH:
THE CUP OF SANCTIFICATION (also called the cup of blessing), represents the first “I will” – “I will bring you out from the burdens of the Egyptians.” God promised to bring His people out from under the cruel laws of the Egyptians.
TAKE THE FIRST CUP AND REPEAT KIDDUSH:
“Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, Creator of the Fruit of the Vine.”
(ALL DRINK TOGETHER OF THE FIRST CUP WHILE RECLINING TO THE LEFT.)
THE URCHATZ:
This is the washing of the hands, which is done by the leader without the usual prayer. This custom is derived from the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Make a bronze basin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it. Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made to the LORD by fire, they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.’” Exodus 30:17-21 (NIV)