JEWISH HOME LA

Dear Readers,

We’re told that one of the greatest yamim tovim is Tu B’av. The Chassidic masters explain that this is to be understood in the context of “the greater the descent the greater the ascent that follows.”

We first mark the Three Weeks culminating in Tisha B’av. These symbolize the suffering, pain, and destruction that befell our ancestors throughout exile. Tu B’av symbolizes the healing and rebirth of our nation.

Yes there was terrible anguish and inhumane suffering. But every single story of loss will turn around and ultimately be a story of redemption. Indeed the neviim told us that these very fasts will be yamim tovim when Moshiach comes.

It would seem that at first the main focus was obviously on the destruction and Churban, but as time goes on and we are getting closer to the end of days, the inner meaning and drive of the Three Weeks is healing our nation and achieving a redeemed world.

We survived the tyrants of history; we can survive the apathy of success.

The One above promised He would gather us back, in the words of this week’s parshah: “For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not let you loose or destroy you; neither will He forget the covenant of your fathers, which He swore to them.” Surely we will experience its fulfillment.

Nachamu nachamu ami.

Wishing you a wonderful and joyous Shabbos Nachamu,

Shalom