Q. Could you please ask Rav Shlomo why does the Mechaver write (siman 430) that the Shabbat before Pesach is called Shabbat Hagadol because of the miracle that happened on that day. Since the Shulchan Aruch is a sefer of rules and not midrashim, what rule is he telling us. If he agrees to the Rema or has another depending din, why did he not mention it?
A. Horav Dovid Pam Shlit’a quoted Horav Elyashiv Zt’l, that indeed the Mechaver in Shulchan Aruch does rule to call and to greet another on this Shabbos with a “Gut Shabbos Hagodol.”
Similarly the Chida in Machazik Bracha (430: 2), mentions that the medakdekim in his place would salute each other on this Shabbos with “Shabbos Hagodol Vehamevorach” instead of “Shabbos Shalom Umevorach.”
Horav Dovid Yoel Weiss in Oitzrois Yerushalaim (142; 28) mentions that this was a minhag of Yerushalaim.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that the Mechaver is telling us a Halacha; namely to be cognizant and aware on this particular Shabbos of the miracles that initiated the redemption of Yetzias Mitzraim and the Yom Tov of Pesach. We are obliged to recognize and thank Hashem for nissim done to our nation in the past.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a.
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