Torah: First Shabbat of Passover will have the Maftir (closing portion of the Torah portion and the Haftarah … (Exodus 23:12-34:26; Ezekiel 37:1-14)
Chol HaMoed Intermediate days of Passover.
The Torah readings have the Exodus continuing after the worshiping of the golden calf, and Moses shattering the first set of tablets. Moses returns to the top of Mount Sinai in order to receive a new set of tablets. Moses pleads for G-d’s assurance of support. G-d reassures Moses, and also reveals His Thirteen divine attributes. Moses then descends Mount Sinai and brings the new set of tablets with the Ten Commandments.
While the Haftarah is taken from the Book of Ezekiel. The prophet finds himself in the valley of dry bones. G-d’s vivification effects to knit the bones together and cover the bones with flesh. Ezekiel understood the vision to mean the people of Israel, having been in exile in Babylon, will again be reborn into a nation.
The Passover has the recalling of deliverances and both the Torah and Haftarah have similar themes. The Jewish people look forward to the future redemption, and an old tradition that the resurrection of the dead will take place during Passover, and these concepts are the reason for the choice of readings this Sabbath.
A Zissen Passover!
Happy Passover,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
