Parashat Vaetchanan Shabbos Nachamu: Messages of Comfort, Hope, and Renewal.

Shabbos Nachamu marks the first of the seven haftarot of consolation — the Nechamot. After three preceding haftarot describing the calamities that befell Am Yisrael, we now turn to the comfort Hashem promises for the future. This comfort, delivered through the prophet Yeshayahu (Isaiah), encourages us to move forward despite past suffering.

Yeshayahu: The Prophet of Comfort

Yeshayahu lived approximately 150 years before the destruction of the First Temple. Although known as a prophet who issued stern warnings during a time of great prosperity in Eretz Yisrael, he also became the one who conveyed the most words of comfort.

Chazal explain that because Yeshayahu, himself of royal descent and wealth, took upon himself the difficult mission of rebuking the nation during a time when wealth could easily corrupt, he was granted the privilege to proclaim these consolations. His famous opening words, Nachamu, Nachamu — “Be comforted, be comforted” — are repeated, according to the Midrash, for two reasons:

• To correspond to the two destructions of the First and Second Temples.

• Because both Hashem and Am Yisrael are in need of comfort — much like a father who feels the suffering of his child.

Hashem tells us, “I have seen your suffering. Do you think it did not pain Me?” The exile of the Shechinah, the Divine Presence, is its own deep anguish, and in our return to Hashem, we also offer Him comfort.

True Nechama: Pain with Purpose

A profound example of this concept comes from the final kinah on Tisha B’Av — Eli Tzion B’Vaneha. It likens Am Yisrael both to a widow mourning a loss that cannot be restored and to a woman in labor whose suffering is filled with hope for new life.

The Hebrew word kinot (lamentations) contains the letters of both tikkun (repair) and tinok (baby). This teaches that our mourning must lead to repair, rebuilding, and spiritual renewal.

The Joy of Tu B’Av

Shabbos Nachamu often coincides with Tu B’Av — a day the Sages describe as one of the most joyous in the Jewish calendar, alongside Yom Kippur. In Temple times, both days were celebrated with opportunities for shidduchim. Girls dressed in white to erase class distinctions and called to the young men to judge them by their character, not by beauty or lineage.

Tu B’Av always falls on the same day of the week as Shevi’i Shel Pesach, the day marking the splitting of the Yam Suf. Just as Chazal say that making matches is as difficult as splitting the sea, both occasions reflect the miraculous intervention of Hashem.

Lessons from Moshe Rabbeinu’s Prayers

In Parashat Va’etchanan, Moshe Rabbeinu prays 515 times to enter Eretz Yisrael — the gematria of “Va’etchanan” (ואתחנן). Hashem refuses, teaching Moshe that his place was with his generation in the desert. The Sages explain that had Moshe prayed one more time, Hashem would have granted his request.

This is a powerful reminder of the impact of even one more prayer. If one person’s negative action — such as Kamtza’s role in the Second Temple’s destruction — can cause great harm, then one person’s heartfelt prayer can help rebuild.

Historical Tragedies of Tisha B’Av

Death in the Desert: For forty years, each Tisha B’Av marked a tragic cycle in which those over the age of 60 dug their own graves and passed away. This continued until only the final 15,000 remained, bringing the cycle to an end. This period was connected to the renewal of Kiddush Levana, which had been impossible due to constant cloud cover — an obstacle that lifted only after the death of Aaron HaKohen, allowing the clouds to disperse.

Intermarriage Ban on Binyamin: Following a tragic incident known as the Pilegash BeGiv’ah (the concubine at Giv’ah), the other tribes of Israel declared a ban on intermarriage with the tribe of Binyamin. For many years, this prohibition remained, resulting in a painful internal conflict and division within the nation. Binyamin became isolated, and fewer men were able to find wives.

After much suffering and negotiation, the tribes eventually lifted the ban, allowing Binyamin to intermarry with the other tribes again. This reconciliation helped restore unity and ensured the tribe’s continued survival.

Destruction of the First Beit HaMikdash: The First Temple’s destruction was caused by idolatry, notably Jeroboam’s golden calves. King Hoshea briefly reversed this spiritual decline by permitting pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but it was too little, too late.

Destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash: This destruction was rooted in sinat chinam — baseless hatred — most painfully exemplified by the civil war between Binyamin and the other tribes following the Pilegash BeGiv’ah incident. This led to years of separation, later resolved by the Sanhedrin to preserve the unity and survival of the nation.

Destruction of Beitar: During the Bar Kochba revolt, Beitar fell due to the people’s arrogance and their insufficient mourning for Jerusalem’s destruction.

After Beitar’s fall, the fallen were finally permitted burial. Chazal teach that until the Churban Beit HaMikdash, the Birkat HaMazon concluded with “Boneh Yerushalayim” (Builder of Jerusalem). However, after this miraculous event — when, for seven years, the corpses of Beitar’s dead did not decay — the Sages added the blessing of HaTov VeHaMeitiv:

• HaTov — He ensured the bodies could be buried.

• VeHaMeitiv — He preserved them from rotting.

Chazal instruct us to remember this miracle daily, strengthening our awareness of how HaKadosh Baruch Hu continuously provides for us.

Tu B’Av and the Will to Rebuild

Tu B’Av is associated with hope and renewal. It marks the final day when wood was cut and brought for the altar fire in the Beit HaMikdash.

Though Tu B’Av follows the devastation of Tisha B’Av — an event that could crush our courage and optimism — it reminds us that tikkun (repair) is always possible. Like a newborn (tinok) who brings new life, we too can rebuild spiritually.

Small Decisions, Big Consequences

Every small act — whether good or bad — can dramatically shape the course of a person’s life. Crossing a moral boundary “just once” can lead to spiritual decline, while a single mitzvah can sustain and elevate the soul. Consistency in mitzvot is essential, even when the challenges feel heavy.

Keeping the Fire of Enthusiasm

Moshe reminds us of the Ten Commandments given with fire, urging us to keep alive the initial awe and passion for serving Hashem. Renewal comes through daily recommitment.

The Deeper Meaning of Kriyat Shema

The large Ayin in “Shema” teaches that Hashem sees all and rules over the seventy nations. The large Dalet in “Echad” represents the four directions, affirming His presence everywhere. The opening Vehahavta reflects the love shown by our forefathers:

• Avraham — Serving Hashem with all heart and soul.

• Yitzchak — Willingness to give his life at the Akedah.

• Yaakov — Integrating Hashem into every aspect of his prosperous life.

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The Haftarah’s Final Call: Lift Up Your Eyes

Yeshayahu’s message likens Hashem to a shepherd who tends each sheep, urging us to see His hand in creation. The Radak explains that the world’s four opposing elements — fire, water, wind, and dust — remain in harmony only through Hashem’s will. This reminds us that the impossible becomes possible through Him.

Each Jew is a star, shining even in darkness. Our tears, prayers, and talents all count in the cosmic plan.

A Story of Redemption

Years ago in Ramat Gan, a skilled car thief stole a vehicle without realizing a baby was inside. Hearing the infant’s distressed cries, he rushed to Beilinson Hospital, saving the child’s life. The grateful parents insisted he join them for Shabbat, introducing him to their community as a hero.

Privately, he confessed to a rabbi that he was not virtuous — he had only been trying to steal the car. But the rabbi pointed out his moral code: he never stole cars lacking full insurance, showing a hidden care for others. This act of saving the child, the rabbi assured him, would bring blessings for generations.

Conclusion

Shabbos Nachamu offers a message of deep comfort: our mourning is not the end, but the beginning of tikkun. Just as Yeshayahu consoled Am Yisrael, we are called to comfort each other and even Hashem. May this season bring personal and national consolation, joy, and many reasons to celebrate.

Shabbat Shalom.