Words From Rabbi White

After 3 weeks of rebuke in the haftarah from Jeremiah and Isaiah, we now begin 7 weeks of haftarot of consolation, starting with Isaiah chapter 40.

The words of Isaiah that we read last week were particularly harsh. Yet, the prophet's harsh message must be tempered by words of hope.

When Hashem first spoke to Jeremiah, describing the task of the prophet, He explained that the prophet 's responsibility is to threaten dismantling and destruction, but also to give hope of "building and planting."

And so, Isaiah begins the 2nd part of his work (from chapter 40) with the words "comfort, comfort My people."

Why the repetition of the word "comfort" One approach in the classical commentaries is that the repetition is a literary device, to strengthen the idea.  That is certainly a plausible "peshat," or interpretation.  However, I am intrigued by an idea alluded to in Rashi's commentary: HaShem is speaking to the prophets, and telling them that they must comfort the people. However, before you can comfort others, you must comfort yourselves.  You must be confident in that what you are saying is correct.

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And, as we begin the Olympics this week, we must pay close attention to the concluding words of chapter 40: "[God] gives strength to the weary... young boys might stumble and wear themselves out, but those who trust in HaShem will have renewed strength, they will grow wings like eagles, run and not be tired."

Let us all have renewed hope in HaShem, in our people, and in ourselves.

Shabat shalom