This Shabbos is Shabbos HaGadol.
The commentaries question the name of this Shabbos: what made this “gadol” — great? They provide different answers primarily based on what transpired before the redemption in Egypt and how the Jewish People took the incredibly bold step of choosing Hashem over the Egyptian god without fear of retribution[1] or because of the great civil war among the Egyptian firstborn which the threat of the final plague caused.[2]
However, as with every event that we celebrate, we too can connect to the special power of the day. Therefore, perhaps we can add a further understanding to this special day and how it can relate to us.
A gadol as opposed to a katan is someone who has taken further responsibility. At a bris we bless that the child (katan) becomes a gadol, and refer to a bar mitzvah boy as a gadol for all purposes because he has the responsibility of performing the mitzvos.
We find ourselves in unprecedented times, dealing with the aftermath and uncertainty of a pandemic, terrorist attacks in Israel, worldwide upheaval from Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, among so many other difficulties that our communities face.
The Gemara tells us that any calamity that comes to the world is on account of the Jewish People.[3] Perhaps, therefore, we use the power of this Shabbos to become bigger. Maybe we can tap into the greatness of the day and make it a true Shabbos HaGadol by taking responsibility for the challenges and suffering that Hashem has brought to the world, and improving our actions, and thus improving the state of the entire world.
May we all share and hear good tidings and may we each become gedolim and use this Shabbos as an opportunity to attain greatness.
SHORT VORT, Rabbi Moshe Kormornick. Published by Adir Press. $9.99 in stores worldwide and online here
Whether you are looking for something meaningful on the Parsha, an uplifting thought for Yom Tov, or have been asked to speak at a Simcha – “Short Vort” is the book for you! With over 140 incredible short vorts packed with stories and valuable life messages, you will never be lost for something inspiring to say.
Rabbi Moshe Kormornick is a popular writer whose words are enjoyed by thousands of readers every week.
