Nechumeh (R’ Shimshy Neiman)

July 31, 2020

Written with love and admiration for the greatest comfort in my life, Tova, my wife of thirteen wonderful years – י”א מנחם אב

Shabbos Nachamu is an enigma. The theme of the Shabbos – as indicated by its haftorah – is consolation. But what is the source of our solace? The Beis Hamikdash has not yet been rebuilt, we are still in galus; things have not changed, have they? One who has experienced loss, lo aleinu, knows that the only real nechama would be if one could erase the past and restore what has been taken away. In the case of aveilus, mourning the death of one of the seven immediate relatives, it is actually time that alleviates the grief, as the mourner becomes increasingly at peace with his lot. The pain of his loss diminishes as time lapses.

But with regard to our aveilus for the Beis Hamikdash, the lapse of time is not supposed to have a consoling, mending effect. On the contrary, our obligation during the three weeks is to overcome the passage of time and to acutely experience the anguish of the churban. Why then should we feel consoled on Shabbos Nachamu?

The aveilus of the three weeks is designed to awaken our emotions and sensitize our hearts to the tragic reality of the churban and its insidious causes. Accordingly, the three weeks is a period of repentance and yearning – repentance for the sins which caused the churban, and the pining for the Beis Hamikdash in its full glory. After the arduous day of Tisha b’Av has concluded and we have recited the numerous kinnos recounting our myriad sufferings in exile, it is appropriate that the period that follows is one of comfort and solace.

But how can we be consoled after all that we have spoken about on, and leading up to Tisha b’Av? Haven’t we just spent the last 21 days – indeed the last 24 hours – internalizing our personal losses and national wounds? How then can we step into Shabbos Nachamu and receive this powerful and prophetic nechama?

The answer lies in the shift in perspective that takes place inside of us. Every year we descend to the floors, and there is a sense of shared exasperation and failure; “Another Tisha b’Av in galus; another year of dashed hopes.” Yet, at the same time, Tisha b’Av helps us see the exile, as well as all the travails and vicissitudes of life, from a new perspective.

Through the mask, we are able to see the Hand of Hashem guiding all the events that have befallen us, for good and for better. There is a paradoxical underlying theme that emerges from our pain. The horrors we recall on Tisha b’Av help us realize that we are part of an immortal people who transcend natural order. That perspective which “emerges from the ashes” is an integral part of our communal consolation.

Thus, Tisha b’Av itself segues perfectly into the period of consolation that follows. That realization and shift in perspective helps us find meaning in our inexplicable pain and suffering, and therein lies our comfort. We have now learned to find value in our suffering, despite the fact that our actual pain has not diminished. Nevertheless, it is with that sense of value that infuses us with the fortitude and inner peace to move on.

Says the Chasam Sofer, that starting today, the month is no longer the Chodesh Av. Starting today, the month is called Menachem, because today marks the end of our mourning and the start of our ultimate comfort.

Today’s song choice is yet another great composition by R’ Shimshy Neiman featuring a duet with his friend and fellow British star Shloime Gertner, from the 2019 album Nechumeh. With words from the Monday/Thursday Tachanun joined with Neiman’s own lyrics, this song aptly conveys the yearning that we all share for the imminent Geulah Shelaima.

Because while time heals a mourner’s pain, the discomfort that we feel for the loss of the Beis Hamikdash can only be remedied by it being rebuilt. Only then will we have our true nechama – “Nachamu, Nachamu Ami yomar Elokeichem…..”

Wishing everyone a very comforting Shabbos Nachamu!

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