Welcome to
Achron shel Pesach!
Filled with lively talk and activity, flowing with wine and discussion and brimming with custom and tradition, the Seder nights are the highlights of Passover.
From there on, the eight day holiday seems to continue uneventfully, following only the basic rules of eating matzah and avoiding chametz.
But just as the holiday draws to a close, Passover rises to a grand finale, with the celebration of Achron shel Pesach.
"Yet another special holiday?" "Isn't it already all over and done with?"
"What now, when we've already eaten our fill of matza, and look forward to switching back to chametz?" "Shouldn't we go pack up the Passover dishes?"
Actually, the eighth and final day of Passover is not an end, for it representsan historic beginning.
The Haftarah reading in the synagogue on Achron shel Pesach is a scriptural selection that vividly describes a prophetic vision of Isaiah. In a most moving narrative, Isaiah introduces us to 
the idyllic glorious era of Moshiach, the long awaited redeemer of Israel who will return us from exile.
We read of the special branch that will sprout from the House of David.. the twig that will flourish from his roots... on whom the Divine spirit will rest.. The lion will lie with the lamb.., peace will reign all over... and the whole world will be filled with Divine knowledge as the waters of the sea.."
Achron shel Pesach reminds us that Passover did not end with the Exodus 3300 years ago, but is a continuous process that began with Moses and will conclude with Moshiach. One is incomplete without the other.
It is therefore customary to celebrate Seudas Moshiach by eating Matzah and drinking four cups of wine on the last evening of Passover. A beautiful tradition instituted by Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shem Tov and later Sages, we join together to express our belief and yearning for the coming redemption.
We share insights, stories and L'Chayim wishes with our friends seated at the table and with all of Israel. This nostalgic farewell to Passover reaches a climax with the singing of melodies and tunes, and ends on a high note of fervent Jewish Faith in the future.
L'chayim! It ain't over till it's over! In just a few moments we will close up Passover for the year. But what's the rush? The Synagogue Rabbi has to leave to buy back the chametz, but where's everyone else running?
Can't we wait a little longer before biting into the first bagel? Let's hold on to the holiday and enjoy it a little bit longer!
L'chayim! Of course, we'll go help pack the Passover dishes. But let's not pack away the Passover spirit of Redemption in the boxes deep in the basement.
L'chayim! Seudas Moshiach gives us a taste of great things to come. It feeds and nurtures our belief in this basic Jewish principle, to prepare ourselves for Moshiach.
L'chayim! Seudas Moshiach has no formal Hagaddah to read or blessings to say. It's just our thoughts, feelings, hopes and yearnings for the righteous Moshiach, very soon. Next year in Jerusalem!
