Chol HaMoed: When the Ordinary Reveals Holiness

Rabbi Zachary Shapiro reflects on finding the sacred in the everyday during the Passover holiday.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:52pm

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A blurred, dreamlike photograph showing a child's hand reaching out to touch a butterfly resting on a windowsill, with the faint outline of a rocket contrail visible in the distance, capturing the idea of finding the sacred in the everyday.In the 'ordinary days' of Chol HaMoed, moments of wonder and holiness can be found in the simplest of sights.Los Angeles Today

In this commentary, Rabbi Zachary Shapiro explores the concept of Chol HaMoed, the 'ordinary days' between the holy festivals that frame the beginning and end of Passover. He challenges the notion that these days are merely 'intermediate,' arguing that holiness can be found in the most mundane moments if we choose to pay attention. Using examples like a SpaceX rocket launch and his children's wonder at simple natural sights, Shapiro suggests that the question is not whether holiness is present, but whether we will take the time to notice it.

Why it matters

Shapiro's reflections on Chol HaMoed offer a thoughtful perspective on finding meaning and spirituality in everyday life, which can resonate with readers of all faiths or backgrounds. His message encourages mindfulness and an appreciation for the extraordinary that can be discovered in the ordinary, providing an uplifting outlook during the Passover holiday season.

The details

During the Passover holiday, the days between the holy festivals at the beginning and end of the week-long celebration are known as Chol HaMoed. Literally translated as the 'ordinary days,' Shapiro challenges the notion that these days are merely 'intermediate' or less sacred than the bookending holy days. He argues that holiness can be found in even the most mundane moments, if we are willing to pause and pay attention. Shapiro uses examples like his family witnessing a SpaceX rocket launch and his children captivated by an ant or butterfly to illustrate how the extraordinary can be discovered in the ordinary.

  • This past Monday, many in Los Angeles witnessed the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
  • That same day, Shapiro's son was transfixed by the path of an ant, and his daughter paused to watch a butterfly.

The players

Rabbi Zachary R. Shapiro

The author of this commentary, who reflects on finding holiness in everyday moments during the Passover holiday.

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What they’re saying

“Holiness is not confined to the edges of our calendar. It reveals itself whenever we make space for wonder—whenever we choose to see.”

— Rabbi Zachary R. Shapiro

The takeaway

Shapiro's message encourages readers to adopt a mindset of wonder and appreciation for the sacred that can be found in even the most ordinary moments of daily life. His reflections on Chol HaMoed offer an uplifting perspective on finding meaning and spirituality in the everyday, which can resonate with people of all faiths or backgrounds.