By Rabbi Joshua Dorsch
SAN DIEGO — This Shabbat, the Shabbat before Passover, is referred to as Shabbat HaGadol – The Great Shabbat. Shabbat HaGadol is the last of what has been a series of special Shabbats, leading up to Passover. We have several special Shabbats sprinkled throughout the year – each one singled out as being special for a variety of different reasons.
According to one Midrash, on Shabbat HaGadol, the Israelites were commanded to gather a sheep for the Paschal sacrifice in preparation of the Exodus, which was going to take place a few days later. It was “gadol,” or great, that the Israelites were able to observe this Mitzvah, one of their first, and that they were able to do so while they were still in Egypt.
Others suggest that this week is referred to as Shabbat HaGadol because of the haftarah, which is taken from Malachi. It says “Behold, I send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great (Gadol) and awesome day of the Lord.”
Others suggest that what makes this Shabbat Gadol is that the Rabbi traditionally delivered a particularly long sermon in honor of Passover.
While the Shibolei Haleket acknowledged that the Shabbat before Passover is The Shabbat HaGadol, he suggested that the Shabbat before every other festival is also a Shabbat Gadol.There are designated special Shabbats throughout the year, like Shabbat HaGadol, for a variety of different reasons.
I actually think that every Shabbat should be Gadol and special, not just those before festivals. It is my hope and prayer that as a community, we strive to make every Shabbat unique and meaningful, in our own way.
Wishing everyone has a Shabbat Gadol, not just this Shabbat, but every Shabbat to come.
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Rabbi Dorsch is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego. He may be contacted via joshua.dorsch@sdjewishworld.com