This Friday night, March 27th, initiates the beginning of Shabbat HaGadol (the Great Sabbath).  It is the last Shabbat before Passover on April 1st (15th of Nisan) and a time of spiritual, physical, and mental preparation.  Traditionally, on Shabbat haGadol, we review the laws of cleaning (removing chametz) for and celebrating Passover.  Kabbalistically, it is a time where we can align with G-d Consciousness regarding our own redemption from our personal Egypt.

Just prior to Shabbat haGadol, the Hebrews were informed by G-d of the last miracle (plague/affliction).  They were told to take a lamb and tie it to their bedposts and keep it there until the 14th of Nisan (Erev Pesach) after which they would shecht the lamb, put blood on the door posts, roast the lamb, and eat it.  While this marks the beginning of our freedom from slavery, the Haftarah reading for Parshat Tsav, (Malachi 3:4–24), tells of the “great and awesome day of the Lord” when the prophet Elijah will return.  So this Shabbat also focuses on the beginning of this “Great Day” beginning the Messianic era.

• How does it make sense that this Shabbat focuses on both cleaning and preparing for Shabbat while also alluding to the arrival of the Messianic era?

• How is this Shabbat different from other Shabbats and what does it have to do with our Spiritual walk?

• Come join us for Kabbalat Shabbat and let’s get into it!

Rabbi Scott is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.