Chol HaMoed Pesach/ the days of Passover week
Seventh Day of Passover:Torah:Exodus 13:17-15:26; Numbers 28:19-25 Haftarah: II Samuel 22:1-51
Eighth Day of Passover: Deuteronomy 15:19-16:17; Isaiah 10:32-12:6)
On the Eighth Day is Yizkor, please light your Yahrzeit Memorial candle before the Sabbath candles, then the Shabbat candles and V’Yom Tov. These last two days are when the Israelites crossed the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea).
The Seventh Day of Passover the Torah Reading describes Israel’s experiences following the exodus. Pharaoh mobilizes the Egyptian army and begins his pursuit of the fleeing Israelites. When Moses and the children of Israel reach the Red Sea, Moses raises his rod, the waters split apart, and the Israelites miraculously are saved. When the Egyptians reach the water, they become bogged down, sink to the bottom, and drown. Moses and the children of Israel sing a magnificent song of thanksgiving.
While on the Eighth Day of Passover the Torah reading deals with a variety of laws, including those related to tithes, the year release, release of slaves, and comprehensive description of the three pilgrimage festivals (Sukkot, Passover and Shavuot).
The Haftarah, from the Book of Isaiah, begins with a prediction that Assyria will be defeated. This prophecy indeed comes true. The Haftarah continues with Isaiah’s message of hope that the Israelites will again be gathered together from lands of exile and return to Israel.
The Haftarah also contains the famous great vision of the Messianic Era when peace and harmony will reign supreme among all people. Because the haftarah contains several allusions to the redemption from Egypt (vv. 11, 15, 16), it was chosen for the last day of Passover.
The Haftarah is the concluding portion of the Torah service.
May everyone continue to enjoy and have A Zissen Pesach,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
