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The 3rd Cup: Birkat HaMazon
The third cup. Are you having Reisling or Moscato? Pinot Noir or Merlot?
OK, ok, time to get serious.
The Talmud teaches:
“Ravina said: The Sages instituted four separate cups, each of which is consumed in a manner that demonstrates freedom. Therefore, each and every one is a distinct mitzva in its own right. ” (Pesachim 110a)
We always talk about the four cups of wine as if they are one group together. Ravina is telling us that they are four individual cups and each cup is its own mitzvah. The third cup, according to Rava (another Talmudic sage), is for blessing, and that is why it comes at the end of Birkat HaMazon, when we thank God for the food we have just eaten. Saying Birkat HaMazon at any time is a mitzvah, and adding the third cup at the end gets us another mitzvah.
When I think about my family’s upcoming Passover dinner and the food for which we will be thanking God, many things come to mind. I feel fortunate to have all of our children, grandchildren, and both my mom and mother-in-law, sitting at our seder table. I hope we are creating the memories for our grandchildren, just like my parents did for me and my brother. I remember many childhood sedarim at the homes of family members and friends. I don’t exactly remember drinking all four cups of wine (well, I probably had grape juice at the time), but I remember learning about the Israelites getting their freedom, family members laughing together and, of course, trying to be the first to find the afikomen.
When you are ready for the third cup of wine, after you have thanked God for the special dinner that everyone has enjoyed, remember this cup of blessings. Think about all of those that need some extra blessings right now, as I know most of us have some that we can share.
Chag Sameach,
Nancy Gurwin
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