Tisha B’Av is the most painful day on the Jewish calendar. On this day, we sit on the ground and mourn the destruction of our Temples, the exile, and the broken spirit of our people throughout all generations.
But Judaism does not allow a person to remain in darkness. Already from the end of the fast day, we begin to turn ourselves once again toward the light. On Shabbat Nachamu, we hear the Divine voice:
“Comfort, comfort My people, says your G-d.”
And our generation needs to hear this voice more than ever.
In a world where hatred against Israel and against the Jewish people is increasing, in a world where lies are presented as truth and where the victim is portrayed as the guilty party, we must not despair. The enemy seeks to break our spirit, but the spirit of Israel is stronger than any threat.
The Maharal of Prague writes that the destruction was not the end of the story, but rather a stage in the process leading toward redemption. Just as a seed must first be buried in the earth before it can sprout and grow, so too Jerusalem had to undergo a period of destruction, so that it could ultimately rise again with even greater glory. This is not merely a comforting thought; it is a Divine promise written into the history of the people of Israel.
Rabbi Jonah of Gerona likewise writes in his Sha’arei Teshuvah that hope in the mercy of HaShem is a fundamental part of man’s service to G-d. Even when the situation appears difficult and darkness covers the world, Israel must never despair. Every moment of faith, every act of Torah study, and every mitzvah brings redemption closer and reveals that the hand of HaShem is still extended to save His people.
The Chafetz Chaim, of blessed memory, adds that the very fact that the Jewish people continue to exist after all the persecutions and exiles is living proof of Divine Providence. We do not merely wait for redemption — every day that the people of Israel continue to study Torah, daven (pray), and fulfill mitzvot (commandments) is itself evidence that the promise of HaShem remains eternal. The light of Israel is preserved not only through outward strength, but especially through the inner power of faith that transmits holiness from generation to generation.
Shabbat Nachamu calls upon us to stand upright. Not to be ashamed of our identity, not to surrender to incitement, and not to fear those who seek to erase the memory of Israel.
Every mitzvah, every page of Gemara, every prayer, every act of charity, and every expression of Ahavat Yisrael (love for the Jewish people) forms an eternal response to all those who wish to extinguish our light.
From Tisha B’Av we learn to remember.
From Shabbat Nachamu we learn to believe.
And from both together we learn to build.
To build ourselves, our families, our communities, and our holy land.
This is our answer to our enemies:
- Not weakness, but faith.
- Not despair, but hope.
- Not withdrawal, but adding more holiness.
Then the words of the prophet will become reality:
“For they shall see eye to eye when HaShem returns to Zion.”
Then the days of mourning will be transformed into days of joy and gladness. And Shabbat Nachamu will no longer be only a promise, but a reality of complete redemption.
May this happen speedily in our days. Amen.
