Rabbi Howard Morrison

Today is Shabbat Ha'Gadol, "The Great Sabbath." It is the special terms for the Shabbat immediately preceding. Why this title?

Some suggest that Gadol refers to the great Mitzvah of taking and preparing the paschal lamb on the 10^th of Nisan, a few days prior to Pesach.

Some suggest that Gadol refers to the fact that Gadol-Greater is the one who is commanded than the one who is not commanded. It was at Pesach when the Jewish people matured from being "Katan/minor" to "Gadol/adult " in terms of Mitzvah responsibility.

Some suggest that Gadol refers to the statement in today's Haftarah, when the prophet Malachi envisions the coming of the GREAT and awesome day of the Lord, when the hearts of parents and children will be restored to each other.

I actually prefer a different theory altogether. It is customary to begin reviewing the Haggadah on Shabbat afternoon. Which parts will be recited, sung, discussed, omitted, read in English, Hebrew, by whom????? Thus, a long time ago, it was already suggested that this day be called "Shabbat Haggadah."

Will you use the same Haggadah as in years past? Will you purchase a new edition for everyone at the table or for one or two people to share different insights and perspectives? The Haggadah is possibly the most widely published and interpreted book made accessible to all.

Ma Nishtana? - How will Pesach this year be different from years past? How will night one differ from night two?

Clearly the events of October 7 and the last six months will make this year's Pesach different. The events of Saturday April 13 will intensify the horror of sadness even more so. Will you augment your Haggadah to reflect on the events of this past year? When the Haggadah says that in each and every generation one must regard oneself as having left Mitzrayim, a place of "Tzarus," we can easily relate.

A few ideas and suggestions:

Like our symbolic Bimah chair - Leave an empty chair or put a sign or a list of the captives in the seat or on a plate. We are empty even as we enagage in joy. A child might ask - Why is there an empty place at the table this year? We may talk about being sad about what is happening in Israel, that many Jews are suffering around the world, that some people are not able to be at a Seder with their families. 

When we break the middle Matza - We recognize that we live in a broken world. When we drop the wine from our cups during the recitation of the ten plagues, we recognize that even as we go free, others are made to suffer. 

When we light the Yom Tov candles, will we light an extra with the following in mind? to remember and not forget the hostages still missing? for soldiers dead and those serving in action? for children, toddlers and teens who have not yet tasted the fruits of life? For people who just wanted to live their lives in peace?

Will we come up with other meaningful ideas and suggestions to incorporate into our Seders this coming week?

Today is called Shabbat Ha'Gadol/Haggadah. It is up to us to make it so.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Howard Morrison