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Amid an atmosphere of war, sickness, and global financial uncertainty, local Chabad rabbis are leading a campaign to raise awareness of a little – known Jewish holiday, this year dubbed ‘Festival of the Future’, focusing on bringing a message of hope for the future and serenity to the present.
The holiday of Passover — this year beginning at sundown on Wednesday, April 5th — and its Seder nights are well known — and will be observed throughout the great state of Florida with public Seders in almost every city and the distribution of Shmurah Matzah (“the Rolls-Royce of matzah) — but the eighth and final day of Passover has its own focus: the utopian future of the Messianic era, when “nation shall not lift the sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” As the world reels from the devastating effects of conflict, Chabad rabbis throughout the state will lead their Jewish communities in celebrating the future era of peace.
During this time of upheaval, it’s crucial that we find ways to bring peace of mind into our lives. On the last day of Passover, our focus shifts from the past redemption of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt to the future redemption and the utopian Messianic era. While we eagerly await this era of global friendship and peace, we can bring its lessons into our lives today.
Synagogues everywhere will mark the day by reading the Haftorah and studying the Biblical vision of the Messianic Era, participate in interactive sessions guiding participants in finding ‘Oasis of Calm’ in the current climate. The last day of Passover (“Acharon Shel Pesach”) is particularly associated with Moshiach and the future redemption. The Haftarah (reading from the Prophets) for this day is from Isaiah 11, which describes the promised future era of universal peace and divine perfection. Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov instituted the custom of partaking of a “Moshiach’s meal” on the afternoon of the last day of Passover; in addition to the matzah eaten at “Moshiach’s meal”, the Rebbes of Chabad added the custom of drinking four cups of wine, as in the seder held on Passover’s first days.
Local Chabad’s will cap off the day with Seudas Moshiach, a special holiday farewell meal. During this traditional and mystical feast, community members will focus on bringing the Messianic message of harmony into their own lives.
All are of course welcome to join us at Chabad Chayil as we close out the Passover holiday together, enjoying wine, matzah and other Passover goodies, discussing words of Torah with inspirational stories, singing Chassidic melodies and finding out why this day has a special energy related to the coming of Moshiach.
While our world is still very much an imperfect place, if we look beneath the surface, we can see that we are already on the path towards a more perfect world. Yes, there is still war between nations — but it is condemned by the vast majority of the globe, as peace is valued now more than ever. Yes, there is still illness, but modern medical advances are bringing hope to millions. On the last day of Passover, we will focus on finding the goodness that is already in the world, bringing the serenity and calm of the utopian future for which we hope into our lives today.
To learn more about the holiday of Passover go to ChabadChayil.org/Passover. To learn more about Festival Future and the imminent coming of Moshiach and a utopian world filled with good visit ChabadChayil.org/Moshiach. To join us at Chabad Chayil in the Highland Lakes section of Aventura for the Seder, Moshiach Seuda or any of the holiday meals call 305-770-1919 or eMail office@ChabadChayil.org.
About the author:
Rabbi Kievman together with his wife are the ambassadors of The Rebbe to Highland Lakes, FL. They are the founders of Gan Chabad Preschool, your local CTeen & CKids chapters, CHAP – an afterschool program for Jewish children in Public Schools and direct Chabad Chayil. He’s the rabbi at The Family Shul and can be reached at (305) 770-1919 or rabbi@ChabadChayil.org
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