a famine a place, one should migrate elsewhere. And the Gemara taught that the Rabbis cited in addition to because one might think from that this advice applies only where there is no danger to life in the destination. So they also cited "Now therefore come, and let us go to the host of the Arameans; if they save us alive, we shall live." The haftarah in modern interpretation Professor Choon-Leong Seow of Vanderbilt University noted that lepers, outcasts of society, discovered that the Arameans had deserted their camp, and it was through them that the news came to the Israelites, while those in power doubted divine deliverance. And while the faithless king did not accept the news, a nameless servant provided a solution that led to the fulfillment of prophecy. Thus, God brought about salvation for the Israelites through the outcasts and the lowly of society. On Shabbat HaGadol When the parashah coincides with Shabbat HaGadol (the "Great Shabbat," the special Sabbath immediately before Passover — as it does in 2019, 2022, 2024, and 2027), the haftarah is On Shabbat HaChodesh When the parashah coincides with Shabbat HaChodesh ("Sabbath [of] the month," the special Sabbath preceding the Hebrew month of Nissan — as it did in 2008), the haftarah is: for Ashkenazi Jews: for Sephardi Jews: Connection to the special Sabbath On Shabbat HaChodesh, Jews read in which God commands that "This month [Nissan] shall be the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year," and in which God issued the commandments of Passover. Similarly, the haftarah in discusses Passover. In both the special reading and the haftarah, God instructs the Israelites to apply blood to doorposts. On Shabbat Rosh Chodesh When the parashah coincides with Shabbat Rosh Chodesh (as it did in 2009), the haftarah is Notes Further reading The parashah has parallels or is discussed in these sources: Biblical (hyssop). (right ear, thumb of right hand, and great toe of right foot); 20–22 (riddance ritual). (cedar wood, hyssop, and red stuff); (hyssop). (priests' duty to assess); (priests' duties regarding skin diseases). (purification from skin disease with living water); (people with skin disease). (transporting away wickedness by wing). ("Purge me with hyssop"); (to teach); (plague on dwelling); (learning from the law). Early nonrabbinic Philo. Allegorical Interpretation 3:4:15; That the Worse Is Wont To Attack the Better 6:16; On the Unchangeableness of God 28:131–35. Alexandria,