This Shabbat is Shabbat Hagadol, the great Sabbath. It is believed that it received that title because of the importance of the approaching holiday, Pesach or Passover. Some scholars feel that all the holidays had a Shabbat Hagadol preceding it. It was called great because there were so many instructions about observance that had to be given before the holiday. It has only remained for the Sabbath before Passover. Many feel that it remained for the Shabbat before Passover because Passover has more instructions than any other holiday. Perhaps, it has remained because there are so many questions asked before Passover.
Another explanation is that in the Haftarah portion for this Shabbat it mentions the “great day” of God on which the Messiah will appear.
Some say that the people would return home from synagogue later than usual on this Shabbat because of the unusually long discourse that was customary on this day. Therefore, it was “great” because it was longer than the other Shabbats.
As we ready ourselves for Passover, my whole family and I want to wish you all a ziessen Pesach, a sweet and meaningful Passover.
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