Last week many Jews commemorated Tisha B’Av, a day marking several tragedies in Jewish history.

 

Last week many Jews commemorated Tisha B’Av, a day marking several tragedies in Jewish history. Each of those tragedies, whether the destruction of Jerusalem, the expulsion from Spain, pogroms and the adoption of the Final Solution (August 2, 1941) have caused untold suffering to our people. But, yet, mir zeinen do, we are still here. Choose life, teaches our Torah! What is the source of our resilience?

This Shabbat begins seven Shabbatot of “Comfort.” This Shabbat, designated Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort, is named from the opening words of the morning’s Haftarah. “Nachamu, Nachamu Ami, Yomar Eloheykhem.” “Be comforted, Be comforted, My people, says your God.” Why is the word Nachamu said twice? One explanation is that we need to work at comforting ourselves and comforting others. Another explanation is that we receive comfort from the Life of the Universe, and, also, from each other.

In our suffering and insecurity we can also be “graced.” How can that be? The Torah addresses this. It’s the recognition that in opening one's heart, “ the Life Giver, will fight for you…Hu Hinlikham LaKhem.” Then it says “I will be open to God’s grace…VaEtchanan…at that time.”

So in this Parsha, VaEtchanan, we reaffirm the Covenant and hear the words of the Ten Commandments once again. We also see in more prominent letters the declaration of the One(ness) of G!d in the words of the Shema. And we, then, reaffirm our commitment, as individuals and as a community, to a life of Mitzvot, right actions.

We know about resilience. Throughout the ages we have adapted to change and trauma. Our core values need to be strong.

Isaiah at the end of the Haftarah encourages the people “Lift up your eyes on high, know who has created all things…”

While most of us will not feel the weightlessness of outer space, we may feel en-lightened by our ability to comfort each other and perform Mitzvot. May our stresses and challenges be stepping stones to personal and collective growth.

Nachamu Ami,

Reb David

From the Smokies

PS Am Kolel is regretfully looking for a buyer for Sanctuary Retreat Center. Ideally we would love to partner with the community or group that is dedicated to preserving the beauty and history of the property. For more information please contact Reb David (amkolel@aol.com).