This week is called Shabbos HaGadol, the “great” Shabbos. The Kedushas Levi explains one aspect of this moniker.
In Kabbalistic terms, people who have difficulty coping, who are rattled by small things, are called, “mochi ketani,” literally “small-minded.” Those who are able to take things in stride are called “mochi gedoli,” or “great-minded.”
On the Shabbos before Pesach, the Jews were inspired to put aside their fears and tie a sheep to their beds. This, despite the fact that the Egyptians worshiped the sheep, and the Jews knew they would likely respond with rage.
When they were able to compartmentalize their fears, and recognize that Hashem was greater than anything they feared, they were empowered to do as Hashem commanded, and tie the sheep to their beds.
Each year we commemorate this moment when people’s minds were expanded through faith, and they became “mochi gedoli,” great-minded people who could do anything.
