Shabbat HaGadol

From Halachipedia

Why is it called Shabbat HaGadol?

  1. Some explain that it's called Shabbat HaGadol because that was the Shabbat when a miracle occurred for the Jews in Egypt that the Egyptians didn't say anything when the Jews took sheep, which was the Egyptian god, in order to slaughter them for Pesach. [1]

Drasha of the Rabbi

  1. The minhag is for the Rabbi of the community to give a Drasha on Shabbat HaGadol on Hilchot Pesach. [2] However, if Shabbat HaGadol falls out on Erev Pesach, the Drasha should take place a week earlier. [3]
  2. If the Rabbi who usually gives the Drasha on Shabbat HaGadol is in mourning and there’s no other Rabbi to make a Drasha it’s permissible to give the Drasha. [4]

Reading the Haggadah in advance

  1. On Shabbat HaGadol, the minhag is to read the Hagadah from Avadim Hayinu until LeChaper Al Avonotanu. [5]

References

  1. S"A 430:1, Mishna Brurah 430:1
  2. Mishna Brurah 429:2
  3. Mishna Brurah 430:1
  4. Halichot Shlomo (vol 1, 2:7)
  5. Rama 430:1. Ravyah 225. Biur Halacha D"H BeMincha quotes the gra (maase rav 173) who didn't have the minhag to read the Hagadah on Shabbat.