Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

The Shabbat preceding Pesach is called Shabbat Ha'Gadol - The Great Sabbath. This year, Shabbat Ha'Gadol literally takes place on Erev Pesach. Reasons abound for the naming of this coming Shabbat.

In antiquity, a few days before Pesach, our ancestors prepared the lamb for the Passover offering. This obligation was considered an early Mitzvah observance in the life of our people. Gadol refers to an adult who is commanded to observe, referring to the rituals leading up to Pesach.

Also in antiquity, the Rabbi would speak at length on the Shabbat before Pesach. Gadol refers to the length and quality of the scholarly remarks shared prior to the Festival.

The Haftarah next Shabbat concludes with the "coming of the great (Gadol) and awesome day of the Lord." The Haftarah makes reference to Elijah the Prophet, who occupies a major place at the Seder table.

With several days to go, I encourage us to find ways to make this week, this Shabbat, and this Pesach truly Great-Gadol in our personal lives.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison