Pesach is our holiday of liberation and of rebirth as a free people. This Shabbat, the Shabbat immediately preceding Pesach is called Shabbat ha Gadol, the great Sabbath. It is one of four special Shabbats that fall between Purim and Pesach. In traditional communities Shabbat ha Gadol was the time when the rabbi would remind the congregation of the special laws regarding the removal of hametz and kashering homes in preparation for the Pesach holiday. The day is also marked by a special Haftorah reading, Malachi 3:4-24, that speaks of the promised messianic redemption and ends with these words, “Lo, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before the coming of the awesome, fearful day of the Lord.  He shall reconcile parents with children and children with their parents.” Pesach, the redemption of Hebrew slaves from bondage, is the model of the future redemption of all mankind. A promise of a time when all human beings will turn to one another in love, as one big family. Pesach is a reminder that slavery can be overcome and humanity can be redeemed. May we all enjoy this season of freedom and rebirth together.

~Rabbi Dean

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