Sanctifying Freedom
The cups of wine that are part of Passover are both special to the seder and something familiar from every Shabbat and holiday. On Passover, though, the wine is also part of telling a story. To remember going out from Egypt requires not only the sacred but the more personal connection to the emotions raised by the telling of redemption. From the lessening of the cup by ten drops in the recounting of the plagues to the lifting of the cup in faith of G*d's presence to the moment that we look toward Elijah, the wine plays these different roles. By connecting all of these elements to the blessing of the wine, we learn that freedom and holiness go together.
 
 

haggadah Section: Kadesh