Machshavot HaLev - Yeshivat Lev HaTorah

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is now free to contemplate such things, but man must become aware of the source
of his freedom in order to appreciate it. We must understand that our freedom was
given to us so we can serve G-d. Denying this means losing freedom and returning
once more to reliance on man, fear of nature or predetermination of life.
In fact if one removes G-d from his or her heart, then they will eventually
become enslaved to their baser animal nature that is part of the make-up of a
human being. This is clearly evident from today’s society. Today’s society’s values,
morals and heroes show what low levels an unG-dly society or people can sink
to. Marriages are ended quickly because there are problems and everyone has
a fast-food approach to life: “I want it and I want it now and if not now then
NEVER.” They are not free, for they are bound to the same desires and drives that
a monkey, pig or cow are. They have lost their “Tzelem Elokim.”
But those of us who realise our freedom is from G-d in order to serve Him are
truly free. We live by laws that show we are in control of our animal side. Each
year for two days a year we fast for 25 hours straight even if we want to eat or
drink. This is alien to the western way of thinking, but it is precisely these things
that keep us human being in the image of G-d.
And so the third cup is raised in thanks to G-d, not just for removing our physical
burdens, or from servitude to man, but for elevating us into a “kingdom of priests”
into His service – allowing us to live as “Tzelem Elokim.”
9. Cup 4 – Velakachti (after hallel).
בלה תובשחמ
This is parallel to the phrase, “I shall take you to Me for a people” (Shemot 6:7).
Based on Rav Hirsch - The first three cups were raised to give praise and thanks for
deliverance from burdens, liberation from man and nature, and for redemption
and spiritual freedom, true freedom.
The whole point of Egypt was for G-d to make us His nation and give us the Torah.
Egypt was like an incredibly hot fire that purifies gold to make it totally pure, and
we as a nation were being purified through the intense suffering and hard labour.
Once G-d took us as His nation, we have been assured of His protection ever