Beyond the Sea: The Lasting Message of Pesach’s Final Day
BY RABBI BINYAMIN BLAU
One of the most puzzling aspects of the chag of Pesach is trying to understand the nature of the end of Yom Tov. Whether it is one day in Israel, or two days in the Diaspora, it is hard to capture the nature of this time frame. On the one hand there is nothing qualitatively different from the days of Chol Hamoed that preceded it, and yet, on the other hand, there is a full prohibition to do melacha indicating that something is indeed unique about the seventh day of Pesach (and by extension the eighth day of Pesach as well).
As we consider this question, another custom demands our attention. It is Klal Yisrael’s practice to recite Yizkor on the final day of Pesach. Our chagim are designated as times of great simcha, yet we integrate the solemn prayers of Yizkor into these joyous festivals. Why do we maintain this practice on Pesach and indeed on all the chagim?
Returning to our initial issue, we know, historically, that the splitting of the sea occurred on the seventh day of Pesach and that may be the key to appreciating this day’s significance. Let us recall the scene. The Jewish people had finally departed from years of servitude in Egypt and they now faced a daunting challenge. The Yam Suf was in front of them and the Egyptians were on their heels. It appeared, at first, that perhaps all the miracles that they had experienced in Egypt as well as the dedication they had expressed by offering the korban Pesach, would be for naught and they would perish right then and there.
This was a test for them to see if the events in Egypt would yield a permanent transformation or would be merely an isolated set of experiences. While initially they complained and were hesitant, eventually they did successfully navigate the difficulty and they emerged on the other side of the Yam Suf with their emunah strengthened.
This may explain why the end of Pesach is designated as a full Yom Tov. It carries a timeless message for the people of Israel: the inspiration we draw from the chag must sustain us as we face our own moments of splitting the sea. These past two years have presented countless such challenges, yet we have drawn upon our religious traditions to navigate even the most daunting trials. As we approach the end of Pesach, we reflect upon and internalize its lessons, preparing ourselves for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Building on this idea, we may be able to answer our second query as well. Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik suggests that the purpose of Yizkor is for us to reflect on the lives of those who lived before us and to be sure that we are continuing their legacy. We need to learn the lessons of the past, draw on the inspirations of our ancestors’ actions, and this way we are prepared for our future. Since that message is essentially the takeaway from each Yom Tov, saying Yizkor on those days is not only fitting but it is also appropriate.
One final reflection: Beyond our personal Yizkor, many shuls recite communal Yizkor prayers commemorating both those who died defending the State of Israel and those who perished in the Shoah. These tefillot have taken on even deeper meaning in the wake of October 7th. As we honor the memory of these noble members of the people of Israel, their sacrifices strengthen our resolve to emerge more resilient, both as individuals and as a nation.
As we celebrate the end of Pesach, may we draw upon the lessons of this chag to strengthen us for the future, and may this Yom Tov of geulah herald the ultimate geulah for which we so deeply yearn.
Rabbi Binyamin Blau is the Rav of Green Road Synagogue in Beachwood, Ohio and the past president of the Rabbinical Council of America.