VOLUME 117 NUMBER 2
Av 14, 5785
August 8, 2025
Parshas Vaeschanan/Special Shabbos Nachamu Edition
Candlelighting Time 7:47
We wept and cried on Tisha B’Av and now we enter into the period referred to as the 7 Shabbosos of Consolation. The Haftorah readings for these weeks mention and discuss our future as a people aspiring for that eventual time when Hashem’s Presence will be recognized by all and we will return to Eretz Yisroel with the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash. It almost seems eerie that we can change tracks so seamlessly from the depths of despair to the heights of looking forward to extreme simcha and contentment. Normally one would assume that to alter one’s mindset from the peripheral of despair to focus on the reestablishment of our nation intact with all of our engines running full speed ahead would be an herculean accomplishment. Can we modify our conduct and indeed direct our attention towards a vastly different venue in such a short span of time?
Although commonly translated as consolation, nachamu truly defines a reassessment of one’s situation. Just as the mourner is ‘consoled’ and acclimates to a novel situation where a dearly departed member of the family is no longer present, so too, this is the obligation placed upon us by our Sages as we adjust from ruin and desolation to renewal and progression. But how do we accomplish this very important and imperative goal?
Our Sages apprise us that all who mourn the loss of Jerusalem merit and view its redemption. The language employed in this dictum is somewhat unusual. Perhaps the statement should have read that the mourner will ultimately observe the deliverance of Jerusalem. Instead, it alludes that one who laments the collapse and disgrace of that majestic city presently is watching its emancipation. What did our Sages mean by that?
As we sit on the ground on Tisha B’Av and shed bitter tears do we have an immense desire to rectify our present situation which obviously impedes the reconstruction of the third Beis HaMikdash. Are we satisfied with our lives and our lack of proximity to Hashem? If the answer is an unfortunate yes, then we are not truthfully responding to the theme of the Kinnos that we are reciting. Our stomachs should churn in shame and ignominy with our complacency, which is damaging and injurious. Rather, we need to digest the enormity of our appalling condition. We must seek to rectify our misconduct and upgrade our service to Hashem. Searching for ways to enhance our lives and improving the levels of our communities and of those individuals that need attention and fortitude must be a decisive and conclusive finale of these three weeks.
The Talmud relates an incident between Rabbi Akiva and his colleagues. As they were approaching the ruins of the Beis HaMikdash they began weeping uncontrollably while he was smiling and seemed to be in good spirit. They asked him how could he be in such a good mood while they were full of tears. He questioned them as to why they were crying. They responded that they saw a fox amongst the ruins and they were tear-stricken watching such a disgraceful happening. His answer was that is precisely why I am joyous. How could indeed Rabbi Akiva have been so happy? Watching his colleagues so appalled by this he knew that they would take it to heart and strive to improve and better their lives, which would lead to the ultimate fulfillment of the prophecy that again we would dwell in peace in the streets of Jerusalem. That is our mandate and as we proceed to view much horror and terror occurring we turn our attention and our lives to Hashem to protect us and guide us to our ultimate redemption.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS NACHAMU
When the time for rebuilding of Jerusalem and the third Beis HaMikdash will come all the prophets will approach Jerusalem to allow them in to initiate its rebuilding and she will not invite them in. They will beseech Hashem who will then entreat Jerusalem to permit its transformation in the merit of the Patriarchs. CHASAM SOFER
GOOD SHABB0S
