The Real Reason You Might Drink 4 Cups Of Wine At Passover
In the Jewish faith, the Passover celebration recalling the Israelites exodus from Egypt is sacred. Throughout the eight day celebration, various themes, like family, Jewish history, and freedom, are the focal point (via Time). As the multiple night celebration begins, the Seder dinner incorporates many of these rituals and concepts. While the word seder means "order," the dinner represents "religious rituals, food, song and storytelling."
One of those rituals served at Passover is the custom of drinking four cups of wine. According to the Jewish Virtual Library, the wines are consumed in a specific order as the story of Exodus is told. Served to the adults throughout the dinner, these four wines represent points from the exodus story (via Food Network). While Chabad.org has several explanations for the significance of the number four, the connection to "freedom from exile" is often referenced. For observant Jews, the wine served should be kosher, per the Washington Post. Although a kosher wine uses the same grapes as other wines, the wine making is handled by "sabbath-observant Jews" (via Food & Wine).
What wines should be served at Passover?
While an encircled "K" or "U" often denotes a kosher classification, not all kosher wines are the same (via Washington Post). Although some wine drinkers might prefer to pass on a ceremonial wine, many other kosher wines are available. Taste of Home compiled a varied list of kosher wines that include both white and red varieties. Although wine drinkers often have a personal preference for pairing wine with certain foods, Passover could be a good time to explore Israeli wine.
Given that Israel has been producing wine for over 10,000 years, the robust wine making history deserves to be part of the conversation, according to Food & Wine. The options from the region are as varied as the wines from other celebrated wine locales. From a delightful syrah to a robust cabernet, a good wine for any preference can be found (via Food & Wine). For this year's Passover celebration, it might be time to skip that ceremonial, sweet wine and discover a wine that can be savored with each of the four glasses on the table.