Shalom and Bracha!

 This Shabbat is the fifteenth of Av. It is known as Shabbat Nachamu, because the Haftara begins "Nachamu Nachamu Ami" (Doubly comfort my people) and continues with the promise of the redemption. The double measure of comfort is because the Jewish people have been "doubly punished for all of their sins" (as the Haftara continues later) with the destruction of the first and second Temples. This Shabbat we read the portion of Vaetchanan, which also alludes to a double measure of comfort and to Moshiach, as will explain shortly be explained.

  The comforting after the destruction is connected to Teshuvah, returning to Hashem and mending our ways. In Tanya, there is a beautiful explanation of the bond that we attain through Teshuvah. This explanation gives a deeper insight into the meaning of double comforting. When a cord is broken, and thereafter tied back together, the place of the repair is much thicker than the original cord. Similarly, when we return to Hashem after doing wrong, our bond is doubly strong. (Furthermore, by tying a new knot, the distance between the two ends of the cord is shortened. When we return to Hashem, we become closer than before.) The double comforting represents a deeper bond than before.

  In this week's portion, we read the Shma Yisrael, the affirmation of Hashem's unity and the primary prayer of Judaism. We also read the giving of the Ten Commandments, the cornerstone of Hashem's revelation. Why do we read these pillars of faith at this time? When we do wrong, and are punished, we question if we can reestablish our relationship.  By including these fundaments of faith in the portion we read immediately after Tisha B'av, Hashem assures us that our bond is strong and that it is in our hands to reaffirm our connection.

The Shma teaches a further lesson. In order to rebuild our bond, our emotions must breed action. We accept Hashem as our King, not only in our hearts but by reading the Shma at night and upon rising. We bring Hashem into our hearts and minds, and we affirm our love through putting on Tefillin each day. We seek Hashem to be a part of our home and business, and we affix a Mezuzah on each door. We seek that Hashem watch over and guide our children, and we give our children a full Torah education. We not only seek the bond, we build it.

  Both of these fundaments have a special connection to Moshiach, and thus to the comforting for the destruction and the hope for the redemption. The first of the Ten Commandment is "I am Hashem your G-d who took you out of Egypt". The Semak, a famous Halachic authority, explains that the words "Who took you out of Egypt" include not only the belief in Hashem but that He will redeem us from every exile. Rashi explains that the words "Hear Oh Israel, Hashem is our G-d Hashem is one" mean that Hashem, who's unity is now recognized only by the Jewish people, and therefor is called "our G-d", is destined to be known as the One G-d by the entire world when Moshiach comes.

    The Haftara continues that we mustn't fear to announce the imminence of Moshiach's coming. "Climb a high mountain, tiding bearer of Jerusalem and call in a mighty voice". May we celebrate Moshiach's arrival this Shabbat!

  Shabbat Shalom,

 Rabbi Biggs