Elijah's Cup

Elijah's Cup

According to the Jewish scriptures, Elijah, one of the great Jewish prophets, never died but was carried off to heaven in a fiery chariot. Tradition identifies Elijah as the forerunner of the Messiah who, in Jewish thought, is associated with the removal of all suffering and the introduction of God's kingdom.

In the course of the Seder meal, a cup of wine is poured for Elijah and the door is opened as a symbolic gesture of welcoming the prophet. According to legend, Elijah visits every Jewish home on this night.