Rabbi’s
Weekly Parsha Message
A Weekly Insight and Torah Reflection by Rabbi Yaakov Fenton
Shabbos Hagadol: Preparing Our Hearts for Pesach
This Shabbos is known as Shabbos Hagadol, the Great Shabbos, marking the final Shabbos before Pesach. It commemorates the miracle when Bnei Yisrael took lambs for the Korban Pesach on the 10th of Nissan, and the Egyptians, despite worshipping the lamb, did not protest.
In Parshas Tzav, we learn about the Korban Olah, the elevation offering, and a remarkable detail: the fire on the Mizbeach (altar) had to burn continuously. The Torah states, "A permanent fire shall burn on the altar; it shall not go out." The Midrash explains that even though a Heavenly fire descended upon the altar, there was still a mitzvah to bring ordinary fire as well.
This teaches us a profound lesson about the nature of miracles and our relationship with Hashem. Even when Hashem performs open miracles for us, we are expected to make our own effort. The Heavenly fire represented the revealed miracle, while the human-kindled fire represented our partnership with the Divine.
As we approach Pesach, this message is especially relevant. Pesach celebrates the most spectacular open miracles in Jewish history. Yet even as Hashem split the sea and brought the plagues, Bnei Yisrael had to take their own steps, literally and figuratively, toward freedom.
May this Shabbos Hagadol inspire us to prepare our hearts for Pesach, to appreciate both the hidden and revealed miracles in our lives, and to remember that Hashem always does His part when we do ours.
Parshas Tzav 5786 | March 29, 2025 | 29 Adar II
Parshas Tzav: The Hidden Miracle
Shabbos Table Discussion Questions
1. The Torah commands that both a Heavenly fire and a human-kindled fire burn on the Mizbeach. What does this teach us about the balance between relying on Hashem and putting in our own effort? How do you see this play out in your daily life?
2. Shabbos Hagadol commemorates a hidden miracle: the Egyptians saw their gods taken as offerings but did not react. Why do you think the Torah values hidden miracles alongside the more dramatic, open ones?
3. As we prepare for Pesach, what is one area in your life where you feel you need to "keep the fire burning" even when it is hard to stay motivated?
Shabbos Times - Parshas Tzav / Shabbos Hagadol
Candle Lighting: 7:00 PM
Mincha / Kabbalas Shabbos: 7:00 PM
Shabbos Morning Services: 9:00 AM
Latest Shema: 9:42 AM
Rabbi Fenton's Drasha: during services
Mincha Shabbos Afternoon: 6:55 PM
Shabbos Ends: 8:02 PM
Weekly Schedule
Sunday Morning Minyan: 8:00 AM
Monday/Thursday Morning Minyan: 6:45 AM
Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday Morning Minyan: 7:00 AM
YIONB Pesach Schedule 5786
Erev Pesach - Saturday, April 12
Search for Chametz: Thursday night, April 10
Siyum Bechorim: Shabbos morning, April 12 (after Shacharis)
Burn Chametz: Friday, April 11 by 11:42 AM
Stop eating Chametz: Shabbos, April 12 by 10:27 AM
Dispose of remaining Chametz: by 11:42 AM
First Days of Pesach
Candle Lighting (1st night): Saturday, April 12 at 8:02 PM (from pre-existing flame)
Mincha/Maariv: 7:05 PM
First Seder: after 8:02 PM
Shacharis (Day 1): Sunday, April 13 at 9:00 AM
Mincha: 7:05 PM
Candle Lighting (2nd night): after 8:04 PM (from pre-existing flame)
Second Seder: after 8:04 PM
Shacharis (Day 2): Monday, April 14 at 9:00 AM
Yom Tov Ends: 8:05 PM
Chol Hamoed
Tuesday-Thursday, April 15-17
Shacharis: 6:45 AM
Shabbos Chol Hamoed - Friday-Saturday, April 18-19
Candle Lighting: Friday, April 18 at 7:07 PM
Mincha/Kabbalas Shabbos: 7:07 PM
Shacharis: 9:00 AM
Shir Hashirim read before Mincha
Mincha: 7:00 PM
Shabbos Ends: 8:10 PM
Last Days of Pesach
Candle Lighting (7th night): Saturday, April 19 at 8:10 PM (from pre-existing flame)
Shacharis (Day 7): Sunday, April 20 at 9:00 AM
Candle Lighting (8th night): after 8:11 PM (from pre-existing flame)
Shacharis (Day 8 - Yizkor): Monday, April 21 at 9:00 AM
Pesach Ends / Havdalah: 8:12 PM
Chag Sameach! Wishing the entire YIONB community a meaningful and joyous Pesach.