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Why is there a different number for the matzot and cups of wine?

by Rabbi Yossi Marcus

  

Library » Holidays » Passover » Seder » The Wine | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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At the Seder table, we have three Matzot and four cups of wine.

Here’s one explanation: The four cups of wine correspond to the four expressions of redemption that G-d uses in describing the Exodus (Ex. 6:6-7):

1. “I will take you out...”

2. “I will save you...”

3. “I will redeem you...”

4. “I will take you as a nation....” —Shmot Rabbah chapter 6

The first three expressions refer to the actual exodus, whereas the final expression refers to an event that took place fifty days later: the giving of the Torah. It was then that the verse “I will take you as a nation” was fulfilled.

Now, the difference between the state of the Jews at the exodus and their state at the giving of the Torah is like the difference between matzah and wine...Matzah is flat and tasteless. It is called poor man’s bread. It represents the poor spiritual state of the Jews during the exodus...Wine, on the other hand, represents fullness, taste, joy. This was the state of the Jews after the forty-nine days of preparation leading up to the giving of the Torah...
Now, the difference between the state of the Jews at the exodus and their state at the giving of the Torah is like the difference between Matzah and wine.

Matzah is flat and tasteless. It is called poor man’s bread. It represents the poor spiritual state of the Jews during the exodus. They were still intellectually and emotionally in Egypt. Their relationship with G-d was based on faith alone; it was not a full, developed and “tasty” relationship.

Wine, on the other hand, represents fullness, taste, joy. This was the state of the Jews after the forty-nine days of preparation leading up to the giving of the Torah. By then, their relationship with G-d had developed to a point that their faith was consistent with what was going on in their minds and hearts.

That’s why we have only three matzot—because by the time the fourth expression “I will take you” was fulfilled, we were no longer poor, tasteless matzot.

For a lengthier rendition of this concept in all its ramifications, see http://www.meaningfullife.com/torah/parsha/shmot/bo/The_Taste_of_Matzah.php 


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RELATED CATEGORIES

Holidays » Passover » Seder » The Matzah
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Matzah
(pl. Matzot). Unleavened bread which is eaten on Passover, especially at the Passover Seder (feast), commemorating the Matzah which the Jews ate upon leaving Egypt. It consists of only flour and water and resembles a wheat cracker.
Seder
Festive meal eaten on the first two nights of the holiday of Passover (In Israel, the Seder is observed only the first night of the holiday). Seder highlights include: reading the story of the Exodus, eating Matzah and bitter herbs, and drinking four cups of wine.
Matzot
(Pl.: Matzot) Unleavened bread which is eaten on Passover, especially at the Passover Seder (feast), commemorating the Matzah which the Jews ate upon leaving Egypt. It consists of only flour and water and resembles a wheat cracker.
Exodus
1. The miraculous departure of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage in 1312 BCE. 2. The second of the Five Books of Moses. This book describes the aforementioned Exodus, the giving of the Torah, and the erection of the Tabernacle.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.