Vaetchanan Finding Comfort After Tragedy

Tu B’Av, known as a day of light and love, carries deep spiritual power—especially in times of sorrow. This year, it follows the pain of Tisha B’Av and a tragic accident in Yerushalayim, reminding us how closely comfort and heartbreak can sit side by side.

A Hidden Miracle of Tu B’Av

One of the lesser-known miracles:

• After the destruction of Beitar, the dead lay unburied for years.

• Their bodies didn’t decay, and they were eventually given honorable burial.

• This miracle is recalled daily in Birkat Hamazon: “HaTov VeHaMeitiv.”

Even in devastation, Hashem’s kindness was revealed.

“Nachamu, Nachamu Ami” – Double Consolation

On Shabbat Nachamu, Hashem says “Comfort, comfort My people.” Why twice?

• One for each destroyed Beit HaMikdash.

• First for spiritual failings between man and God.

• Second for Sinat Chinam—hatred between people.

Hashem comforts both wounds: our relationship with Him, and with each other.

When Tragedy Strikes on a Day of Joy

A horrifying bus accident on Tu B’Av took the lives of a mother and two daughters. How do we reconcile such tragedy on a day of miracles?

• Hashem is the “Baal HaNechamot”—Master of Comforts (plural).

• He comforts us with presence and perspective.

• What seems cruel today may one day be seen as part of a greater plan.

A Holocaust Lesson in Emunah

Two men hidden under logs in Auschwitz nearly took poison when they thought they were caught.

• The logs were being removed—surely their end.

• But that clearing saved them; it created their path to escape.

What seemed like death was actually their salvation.

The Power of Shema: Trust Without Sight

When we say Shema, we cover our eyes:

• We don’t always understand Hashem’s ways.

• But we declare: “Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad”—He is One in mercy and judgment.

Moving Forward With Emunah

Parashat Va’etchanan urges us:“Do what is good and right in the eyes of Hashem.”

• Even without answers, we choose to do good.

• That’s our role in the process of redemption.

May Hashem Comfort His People

On this Tu B’Av and Shabbat Nachamu, may we be comforted by:

• Hashem’s constant presence,

• A deeper emunah,

• And the hope of ultimate geulah.

With love and prayers for Klal Yisrael.