Shabbat Hagadol | The Great Sabath

Written By:Dr. Jeffrey Seif

Shabbat HaGadol – also known as the great Sabbath – is the Sabbath immediately presiding Passover. The origin of the name has different explanations:

1. During Exodus, the Hebrews were able to select a lamb on the 10th of Nisan (a Sabbath) without being punished by their Egyptian master.*
2. In Malachi 3:3-24, the prophetic portion speaks of the “great day” of God on which the Messiah will appear. In this case, we celebrate Yeshua arriving in Jerusalem for Pesach, Passover. This prophecy has been fulfilled in Mark 11:1-11, when Yeshua entered Jerusalem and was received by the crowds while they exclaimed:
   Hoshia-na! Baruch ha-ba b-shem Adonai!*
   Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
   Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
   Hoshia-na in the highest!

As you can see, the word “Hosanna” comes from the Hebrew Hoshia-na (הושיעה נא), which means “save now” or “save us” now. It is so interesting to see how the Hebrews were proclaiming salvation in Messiah.

Just like our early brothers and sisters in Messiah back them, we also proclaim and knowledge that He is Lord, our savior and redeemer.

During this celebration, people recite Psalm 104 and Psalms 120-134. As we unite with our older brother, Israel, let’s celebrate together the remembrance of His death, but above all His glorious Resurrection and the beginning of His kingdom.

Pesach | Passover

Also, as we prepare for Passover, you can read and learn more about how it’s celebrated and its fulfillment in Yeshua. We want to share these links where you can explore and learn more:

Passover – The Festival of Deliverance by Hebrew4Christians.com
Passover – To Be Free by Chabad.Org

May Adonai bless you and keep you. In Yeshua’s name! Amen.

Dr. Jeffrey Seif