#15: Machshavah

This year, when Erev Pesach falls on Shabbat, we encounter unique halachic challenges that require careful attention, as we have learned throughout this week. At the same time, this rare occurrence presents a tremendous opportunity—to experience the sanctity of Shabbat and the holiness of Pesach in seamless succession.

Shabbat holds special significance as a day when Hashem grants us the ability to imitate Him by resting on the seventh day and elevating ourselves above the physical world. Through Shabbat, we experience a taste of Olam Haba, the World to Come. Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon, quoting his father-in-law, Rav Eliyahu Blumenzweig (Erev Pesach Shechal B’Shabbat, p.31), suggests that by using Shabbat to transcend the material world in this manner which resembles Hashem, we merit the extraordinary, almost Divine role, of determining the Jewish calendar and the dates of the Moadim (festivals).

This year, when these two dimensions of holiness converge, we have a unique opportunity to harness the qualities of Shabbat as spiritual preparation for Pesach. We can use the time to review the Haggadah, reflect on the themes of the holiday, and prepare ourselves for the Seder in a more elevated way. May we take full advantage of this special occasion, allowing the sanctity of Shabbat to uplift us so that we enter Pesach with true spiritual freedom and joy.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.