Tonight, I join my Jewish friends in lighting the fourth candle. Through study, I have learned that the number four is significantly recurrent in Jewish tradition. Four parts to the Passover Seder. ‘The Four Questions’. ‘The Four Sons’. ‘Four Cups of Wine’. Four cardinal directions. (Exodus 27:13; Genesis 24:62; Numbers 34:6). Four Matriarchs. Four Angels surrounding the ‘Throne of Glory’. (Numbers 2:10) Four Kingdoms of eschaton. (Daniel 2: 31-41; Daniel 7:23-24) Four Sages who enter Paradise. ((Chagiga 14b, Zohar I, 26b and Tikunei Zohar, Tikun 40).
In lighting the candles consider Israel’s deliverance from the four exiles (represented by the ‘Four Cups of Wine) … The first candle for the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The second candle for the deliverance of Israel from Babylon. The third candle for deliverance of Israel from the Greeks. The fourth candle for Israel’s anticipated deliverance from the ‘current exile’ by ‘Moshiach’ (or the Messiah).
Thankful for a G-d who faithfully delivers us from our oppressors. (Genesis 50:20; Deuteronomy 20:4; Psalms 59:1; Psalms 18:48; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 68:20; Psalms 138:7; Judges 2:8)