Illustration Credit: Elad Lifshitz, Dov Abramson Studio
The Shabbat before Pesah has a special name: שַׁבָּת הַגָּדוֹל (Shabbat Ha-Gadol, the Great Shabbat).
Where does the name come from?
It could be from this week’s הַפְטָרָה (haftarah), which is about redemption, and the day that Eliyahu Hanavi will come. This day is described as יוֹם הַגָּדוֹל וְהַנּוֹרָא (yom ha-gadol vehanora, the great and awesome day; Malakhi 3:23).
Another explanation is that a great miracle happened on the first Shabbat Ha-Gadol, which was the day that Benei Yisrael, back in מִצְרַיִם (Mitzrayim, Egypt), were commanded to set aside sheep for the קָרְבַּן פֶּסַח (korban pesah, pesah sacrifice). According to some midrashim, the Egyptians worshiped sheep—so the miracle was that Benei Yisrael were able to offer their sacrifices, without provoking the Egyptians’ anger (Mishnah Berurah 430:1).
What happens on Shabbat Ha-Gadol?
It’s a time to prepare for Pesah. The Gemara explains that you really should start reviewing the rules of Pesah 30 days before the holiday (Pesahim 6b). But even if you didn’t start reviewing right away after Purim, Shabbat Ha-Gadol is a great opportunity to get ready for the Seder. The Rema (Orah Hayyim 430:1) suggests reading part of the Haggadah on Shabbat Ha-Gadol.
Rabbis often give a longer Dvar Torah on Shabbat Ha-Gadol, to help their communities get ready for Pesah (Magen Avraham 429:1).
This is a great time for you to get ready for the Seder next week, too! You can prepare ideas or questions that you want to share with your family—don’t wait for the last minute!
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