From Egypt to Today—Open Miracles Continue

Shabbos HaGadol is so called because “Gadol” means great, and it commemorates the great miracles that occurred in Egypt just before the Exodus.

The Jews were commanded to take a sheep for the Pascal Lamb sacrifice on the 10th of Nissan, which that year fell on Shabbos. Sheep were the idolatry of the Egyptians. Imagine today what that means.

For example, the story is told of a person who presented himself before a court to receive American citizenship. The judge asked him what he thought of the USA, and he replied, “It’s the only country that mentions God on its currency (‘In God we trust’).” The judge was perplexed and asked why that was significant. He replied, “Because the dollar is the god of America.” So, for Americans, it’s like taking Wall Street away from all the investors! Or, for Iranians, it’s like taking all their missiles and drones away from them, whose sole purpose (i.e., idolatry) is to destroy others. That’s all they’ve done the past 35 years or so.

So taking a sheep and setting it aside for a sacrifice was a very insulting affront to the Egyptians, yet they said nothing. Thus, the miracles of Shabbos HaGadol are very great and worthy of being commemorated each year.

Which brings us to today. We here in Israel merit to see day by day the Hand of HaShem. With thousands—literally thousands—of missiles and cluster bombs directed to destroy Israel, the damage (though significant) is very limited (may those unfortunate ones be consoled). The final Redemption, which is obviously very near, is happening, and as the Prophet foresaw (Michah 7:15), “As of the days when you left Egypt, I will display wondrous miracles!”

Shabbos HaGadol comes to remind us that even in the worst suffering (as we experience daily missile barrages), there is Divine Providence running the world. We just need to open our eyes and marvel at the wondrous phenomenon we witness daily, as we are rained upon by many missiles and very few reach their mark. This is truly a time of miracles.

So let us revel in the wondrous miracles of Hashem as we look forward to the final Redemption and the salvation of the Jewish nation. We all agree that the time has come. May we merit to see the Coming of Mashiach and the Rebuilding of the Temple, Amen.

Have a great Shabbos and a great Pesach!