PARSHAS Va’eschanan 5784
Finding Comfort
Rabbi Dovid Yachnes
Men's Programming
This past Tuesday was Tisha B’av. Jews around the world sat on the floor in a state of mourning discussing and recalling the myriad of tragedies that have befallen our nation throughout history.
In fact, it was on Tisha B’av, 1,954 years ago, that the Bais Hamikdash, the holy Temple, was destroyed and the Jewish nation was sent into exile. The Rabbis explain that the source of all our woes and difficulties actually stem from this one tragic source. Therefore this day was dedicated to mourn not only the destruction of our Beis Hamikdash but also to mourn and reflect on all of the painful and tragic experiences that we as a nation (and as individuals) have gone through.
But tomorrow in shul, and for the following six weeks, we will read various Haftorahs that convey messages of comfort and healing. Hashem reminds us that indeed He has not forgotten us and one day we will return to Jerusalem in the most glorified manner. These Haftorahs provide hope and anticipation for a beautiful future devoid of pain and suffering.
How can we feel that comfort? What can we do today to experience that consolation from our own pain and hardships?
The answer can be found hidden in the words that we say when comforting a mourner who has lost a loved one and is sitting shiva. We say “הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹךְ שְׁאָר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם – May Hashem comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem”. The word that is used to describe Hashem is הַמָּקוֹם – “the Place.”
A mourner has just suffered a loss, there is now someone missing in their life, a hole in their heart. Who can provide light to that very dark space? Who will fill that now empty place? We say “הַמָּקוֹם” – Hashem- He who occupies all places and spaces, He will fill that which is lost and missing. His light will shine through and heal. It is with Hashem that comfort and consolation is found. The same is true with all types of pain and suffering.
When we bring Hashem into our life, connect with Him, and develop a relationship with Him, we too will be comforted. We too will see the light shining and feel the healing of our pain. And this is something we can do today.
These next number weeks are times of comfort. Let us use this strategy to bring healing to our suffering and comfort to our pain. Let us connect with Hashem and bring Him more into our everyday lives.
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