The Power of Shabbat HaGadol: Freedom, Speech, and the Journey to Geulah (Metzorah)

Shabbat HaGadol is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a time for introspection and clarity. As Jewish women immersed in the rush of Pesach preparation, we may find ourselves overwhelmed. But this Shabbat reminds us that redemption begins with internal freedom—freedom from worry, from fear, and from the chains of negative habits or thoughts.

What Makes This Shabbat “Gadol”?

Chazal (our Sages) teach that the greatness of this Shabbat stems from a profound miracle:

• Bnei Yisrael brought lambs—Egypt’s idols—into their homes without fear. The Egyptians remained silent.

• But even more profoundly, this act showed complete submission to Hashem’s will.

• True greatness, gadlut, is achieved when we obey Hashem not out of convenience, but out of commitment—even when it’s hard. This is the path to personal geulah (redemption).

The Haftarah: Healing Generations

The Haftarah of Malachi, read on Shabbat HaGadol, speaks of future miracles and the coming of Eliyahu HaNavi, who will restore harmony between parents and children. It’s a promise of healing and unity across generations—something we long for deeply in these times.

Freedom Through Speech: From Pharaoh to Pesach

Our power of speech defines our humanity.

• Pharaoh (פַּרְעֹה) can be read as Peh Ra—a corrupt mouth. He misused speech to enslave Bnei Yisrael.

• In contrast, Pesach represents Peh Sach—a mouth that speaks. On Pesach, we use our voices for praise, gratitude, and storytelling.

• We reclaim our koach hadibbur, the spiritual power to shape our world with words.

Metzora and the Healing of Speech

This week’s parsha, Metzora, reminds us of the spiritual consequences of negative speech.

• Lashon Hara (slanderous speech) can affect our bodies, clothes, even our homes—because everything physical mirrors our spiritual state.

• But the nega (affliction) can be turned into oneg (delight) when we reflect, do teshuvah (repentance), and recommit to using our words for good.

From Walls of Protection to Vessels of Kindness

When the walls of our homes are struck with tzara’at (a spiritual affliction), it’s a powerful message:

• Are our homes open and kind, or closed off and self-focused?

• Our homes must be places of generosity and spiritual openness. Only then can they truly protect us.

From Skin to Light: A Deeper Understanding

Rabbi Meir taught that Hashem didn’t just clothe Adam and Chava with leather (ohr with an Ayin), but with light (ohr with an Aleph).

• Even in exile, Hashem cloaked them in compassion and potential.

• So too, we are wrapped in divine light when we elevate our speech, actions, and intentions.

As you enter Shabbat HaGadol and the final days before Pesach, ask yourself: How can I prepare not just my house—but my heart, my words, and my inner world—for redemption? Let this Shabbat fill your home with emunah (faith), your mouth with praise, and your soul with the light of geulah.