On this Shabbos, the special Haftarah begins – Nachamu nachamu ami, yomar Elokeichem.
We are being urged by our Creator to have compassion on our fellow Jews – an important step in the coming of Moshiach. Even though Tisha B’Av may be over, the commandment to think well of everyone in our community is forever a mitzvah. When we see someone who looks a little out of the program, davening late, or doing something that seems a bit out of step – we can be sure that they are going through a challenge.
It is our job to think kindly of them and not judge. If we can master this act of compassion and understanding, we are most of the way towards the rebuilding of the Bais Hamikdash. Even, as it may happen sometimes, our friends do not return a greeting, a hello, you can be sure it is not something you did – they are going through something.
Nachamu, nachamu Ami...
Hashem is giving us all consolation through these most meaningful words...don’t give up, things will change for the better. Rabbi Sneh relates that he heard in a lighter vein – the biggest Breslover in the world is the yetzer harah- why? The yetzer harah never gives up – no yeush whatsoever from him! We all have to learn this lesson – don’t judge and don’t ever give up – good things await us all, just around the bend.
Being Kind to Ourselves
Nachamu, nachamu ami- why the repetitive words?
After kinos in the morning, we rise... as if to leave the mourning..but where are we going? Why not mourn all day? It’s important to know that we must mourn, yes- but too much is not healthy, neither spiritually nor physically. It is for this reason that there are two expressions of comforting- Hashem comforts us while we are in deep and reflective mourning, but He also sends us comfort and hope when we rise.
May this Tisha B'Av be our last day of mourning and may the Beis Hamikdash be rebuilt speedily in our days- bringing us all comfort and strength for eternity.
Nachamu, nachamu ami.
Written by R’ Avrohom Hillel Reich based on a lesson and story by Harav Ben Tziyon Sneh Shlita
