VOLUME 122 NUMBER 2
Av 10, 5786
July 24, 2026
Parshas Va’eschanan/Shabbos Nachamu
Candlelighting Time 8:03
Moshe provides a glimpse of the future challenges that the nation will engage. Idol worship will entice them and some will indeed fall prey to the falsehoods of emptiness that appear to be real and existent. Of course, eventually the people will awaken to their massive error and return to Hashem after many years of futility and vacuity. The Torah relates that you (in plural form) will begin to search for Hashem, now realizing that He is the authentic source of benefit and succor in the world. Then, you (in singular form) as you continue to seek how to return to Hashem will find the road back with all of the yearning of your heart and your soul. Note the change from plural to singular. Meshech Chochma understands that although we are individuals with each his own traits, strengths and weaknesses, nonetheless at our root we are one body intimately connected and fused together comprising the nation. It is as though we are the limbs and appendages of a larger more encompassing quintessence. However, that incredibly amalgamated spirit only functions as such when we are devoted and committed to Hashem with complete obeisance to the Torah and mitzvos. He employs the example of a wheel with many spokes protruding from its center point. Each spoke independently keeps the wheel in operation. Those spokes merge together in their central juncture and through that appended confluence all are linked and operate in tandem. So too, we are also profoundly bonded to each other and form that linked alliance that strengthens the nation and its ability to move forward and upward in serving Hashem.
This Shabbos is called Shabbos Nachamu after the opening words in the Haftarah. We have concluded the three weeks of mourning for the loss of the two Batei Mikdash and now we seek consolation. However, the questions looms how do we have the ability to access that calm level of solace when we are still bereft of the Batei Mikdash?
King David wrote in Tehilim that the heart of those who seek Hashem rejoices. At first glance it would seem somewhat paradoxical. The verse there refers to simcha which indicates a noble and elevated state. However, if one is still pursuing to reach that height of intensity, then he is lacking. However, the question is truly rhetorical. When one attempts to connect with Hashem in the most extreme and sincere fashion, the proximity created by that strong and intense desire actually creates a powerful and close relationship with Hashem therefore we are truly in a posture of simcha, extreme joy and happiness.
And this protocol accompanies us through the seven weeks of consolation which end as we approach Rosh Hashanah. After this intense period of ardent and fervent linking with Hashem then we can approach Hashem on the Day of Judgement with our passion and zeal to realign our lives and straighten out all the deficiencies and shortcomings that have crept into our lives throughout the year. We ache and pine for that time when we will indeed witness the building of the third Beis Hamikdash speedily and in our days.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
We are commanded to teach our children the Torah and the way of serving Hashem. Without instructing and preparing the next generation obviously we cannot survive. The Talmud teaches us that the Torah learning of young children is even more significant and important than that of the greatest in our nation. Continuity is our key to success. CHOFETZ CHAIM
GOOD SHABBOS
