Parashas Devarim is usually read in the nine days. Is there any connection between them? The parashah recounts the different travels of Klal Yisrael through the barren desert and how Hashem was always with us and we had everything we needed. As the verse states, ‘for Hashem your G-D has blessed you in all your endeavors, He knew your way in this desert for 40 years, you didn’t lack anything’ (2:7). For many years, Klal Yisrael were forced to wander around a barren wasteland, due to the sin of the spies; yet Hashem was with them the entire time, providing us all our needs. Therefore, specifically in this challenging period, we need to remember that Hashem is always watching out for us, no matter how bleak things look. That is why Devarim is usually read at this time. (Avodas Yisrael, Devarim)
Focusing on Hashem’s kindness specifically during challenging times brings a closeness with Hashem. As the Shlah writes (Haggadah Shel Pesach)” recounting Hashem’s miracles forms a special closeness with Him, and all barriers are removed!’ So, one mustn’t think that since we are in such a long dark exile the Shechinah is distant from us. Really the Shechinah is very accessible to all of us. As Chazal (Megillah 29a) teach, when we were exiled, the Shechinah went into exile with us, and will return with us during the geulah.
Even when we are forced into exile, Hashem is right here with us, holding our hand each step of the way. In the krias haTorah of Tishah Be’av, which foretells how Klal Yisrael will sin and be exiled, the verse says, “for Hashem Your G-D is a Merciful G-D, He will not abandon you or destroy you”. (Devarim 4:31)
Rashi explains “He will not abandon you,’ means, ‘from holding your hand.’ Therefore, it is very suitable that we read this on Tishah Be’av, since when we cry, Hashem is so to speak crying with us and it is a great time of closeness. In fact, Rav Pinchas of Koritz teaches, when we sit on the ground during Tisha Be’av, the Shechinah sits together with us! It is a special Eis Ratzon when we can pray for whatever we are lacking! The Shechinah, so to speak, joins in our mourning. After all, Hashem continues to yearn for us and for the day we will finally be redeemed. Imrai Pinchas, Tisha Be’av 380
It is clear that Hashem has been ‘holding our hand’ throughout this long galus. When we think about it, it is really mindboggling Throughout our history, many mighty nations have tried to destroy us. The Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Germans: the list goes on and on. Yet, where are they nowadays? Miraculously, the Jewish nation is still here and thriving! We are fortunate to have many strong Torah communities with flourishing Torah institutions, Shuls etc. The Chovos HaLevavos (Shaar Bechina ch.5) writes that the fact that our nation has survived and thrived amongst the nations of the world throughout such a long exile is even more miraculous than Yetzias Mitzrayim!
