This Shabbat is called Shabbat Nechamu after the first words of the Haftarah, Isaiah 40:1-26, “Comfort, oh comfort my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 1:1) Shabbat Nechamu is one of seven shabbats of consolation that link Tisha b’Av to Rosh Hashanah. The prophetic readings for each of these shabbats reminds us of God’s promise of redemption, even during the darkest moments in our individual and collective lives.
Tisha b’Av, when we remember the destruction of the First and Second Temples, is the lowest day of the Jewish calendar. It reminds us that life is fraught with uncertainty and danger. We can lose everything we hold dear. Rosh HaShanah on the other hand, comes each year to remind us to never lose hope: change, growth and reconciliation are always possible for us. Nothing is ever set in stone.
This is the overall optimistic message of Judaism. Whether you believe in God or not, God represents the promise of redemption and the triumph of good over evil. It is always present in the world, if we are willing to work for it. Like Shabbat Nechamu this is a promise of comfort; something to hope for and strive for.
Vaetchanan, Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11; Parashat HaShavua for Shabbat, August 17, 2024
August 16, 2024 by tbhrich • Drashot
This Shabbat is called Shabbat Nechamu after the first words of the Haftarah, Isaiah 40:1-26, “Comfort, oh comfort my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 1:1) Shabbat Nechamu is one of seven shabbats of consolation that link Tisha b’Av to Rosh Hashanah. The prophetic readings for each of these shabbats reminds us of God’s promise of redemption, even during the darkest moments in our individual and collective lives.
Tisha b’Av, when we remember the destruction of the First and Second Temples, is the lowest day of the Jewish calendar. It reminds us that life is fraught with uncertainty and danger. We can lose everything we hold dear. Rosh HaShanah on the other hand, comes each year to remind us to never lose hope: change, growth and reconciliation are always possible for us. Nothing is ever set in stone.
This is the overall optimistic message of Judaism. Whether you believe in God or not, God represents the promise of redemption and the triumph of good over evil. It is always present in the world, if we are willing to work for it. Like Shabbat Nechamu this is a promise of comfort; something to hope for and strive for.