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Torah Portion: SHABBOS NACHAMU

		SHABBOS NACHAMU By: Rabbi Osher Jungreis

THE SABBATH OF CONSOLATION TISHA B’AV - WED. EVE., AUG 6 & THURS., AUG. 7th Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning for our people, for it is on this day that the most tragic events in our history befell us. It was on this day that the representatives of the Tribes of Israel, who had been sent to spy out the land, gave their negative report and tried to incite the people to return to Egypt. From that day on, Tisha B’Av has been designated as a day of sorrow. Centuries later, it was on Tisha B’Av, that the destruction of the First (586 BCE) and Second (70 CE) Temples in Jerusalem took place. It was on Tisha B’Av in 1492 that the expulsion of the Jews from Spain took place and many other calamities were decreed. It was on Tisha B’Av that World War I began, sowing the seeds for the Holocaust. On Wednesday evening, we conclude the final meal before the fast by sitting on the floor and eating a hard boiled egg dipped in ashes, as one does when mourning. Everyone past the age of Bar or Bat Mitzva is required to fast. The fast begins at 8:05. At synagogue, we chant the book of Lamentations while sitting on the floor or on low stools. Our Hineni service will commence at 9:00 P.M. at the Hineni Center, 232 West End Avenue. On Thursday, the day is spent in mourning. We sit on low stools until mid-day. We do not listen to music or participate in any pleasurable activity. Rather, we spend our time in prayer, reflecting on the destruction of the Temple. We do not wear leather shoes, nor do we shower or swim. As tragic and sad as this day is however, it also imparts hope, for the very fact that throughout the centuries, it was this very same day that was designated for tragedy, signals that HaShem has not abandoned us, but is waiting for us to heed His call and return to Him. In the Kinnus, Lamentations, the suffering of our people is likened to that of a woman in labor, for even as she cries out in pain, she knows that she will soon hold new life in her arms which will make all her travail worthwhile. Similarly, we are strengthened by the knowledge that our history is not capricious, that that which befalls us is not a random occurrence, but leads toward that new life - the redemption of our people, the rebuilding of our Holy Temple, the coming of Messiah. SHABBOS NACHAMU - THE SABBATH OF CONSOLATION This Shabbos draws its name from the Haftorah (Isaiah 40) which commences with the immortal words “Nachamu, Nachamu” - “Comfort ye, comfort ye My people”. The word comfort is repeated twice, for it is not only we, the Jewish people, who are in need of comforting, but G-d Himself, who sees and feels the pain of His children. This Haftorah marks the first of the seven Sabbaths of consolation between Tisha B’Av and Rosh Hashana. Each of these Haftorahs depicts “The End of Days”, the coming of the messianic period and the transformation from Churban - destruction to Binyan - rebuilding. May G-d grant that it happen speedily in our own day. JOIN WITH YOUR PEOPLE - PARTICIPATE in TISHA B’AV SERVICES at HINENI Wed., Aug. 6, 9:00 P.M. - Maariv and Eicho (Lamentations) Thurs., Aug. 7, 6:30 PM - “The Essence of Faith” -An award winning film from Israel 7:30, PM - Talmudic & Midrashic Insights on Tisha B’Av - Rabbi Yisroel Jungreis 8:15 PM, “Light in the Midst of Darkness” - Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis Followed by Break - Fast - all are invited. "He who mourns for Jerusalem will also be there in her rejoicing" Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Osher Parshas V’eschanan 10 AV 5763 Candle Lighting Time, Fri. August 8, 7:45PM Shabbos ends Sat. Aug. 9, 8:53 PM