In our daily lives, our hearts should always be filled with thanks to Hashem for all He does for us. Bircas hamazon provides a regular opportunity to elicit deep feelings of gratitude for what Hashem has done in the past and does in the present. Additionally, we need to be ever conscious of the fact that we no longer have the Beis Hamikdash – not just during the 3 Weeks. On Shabbos, after beginning to thank Hashem for sustaining us, we insert the special tefillah of Retzei. It is specifically here that we encounter our first reference in bentching to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash.
Having just asked for the ability to properly celebrate Shabbos – “she’lo te’hei tzarah v’yagon va’anacha b’yom menuchaseinu…,” we now ask Hashem, “V’hareinu, Hashem Elokeinu, b’nechamas Tzion irecha, uv’vinyan Yerushalayim ir kodshecha…” – “And show us… the comfort of Your city Tzion, and the rebuilding of Your holy city Yerushalayim,” “ki Atah hu Ba’al ha’yeshuos uVa’al hanechamos.” – “for You are the Master of salvations and Master of consolations.” We ask Hashem to give us true peace and relief, not just for Shabbos, but for the entire week as well, which will happen only through the consolation of Tzion and the rebuilding of Yerushalayim.
V’hareinu was composed by Rabbi Yonah Weinrib, a renowned Judaica artist, author, and co-creator of the 70’s group called Simchatone. Most notably, the group consisted of singers R’ Yaakov (Jackie) Solomon (baritone), Bency Schachter (tenor) and Weinrib (alto). Though they only released two albums, their compositional contributions were significant – V’hareinu certainly being one of their most lasting tunes. Weinrib composed this song while attending camp, and recorded it on Simchatone’s second volume entitled Keeping Watch in 1973. In case you were curious, the memorable dark yellow record cover featured a picture of a sunrise taken from Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea.
Fascinating Fact:
Back in December 2020, singer Yaakov Shwekey traveled to ArtScroll/Mesorah headquarters where he was interviewed by Mishpacha’s R’ Yisroel Besser. Afterward, Shwekey was given a tour of the ArtScroll bindery and warehouse by, among others, R’ Yitzchok Hisiger. As one could imagine, the conversation eventually turned to music and Rabbi Hisiger mentioned today’s song, V’hareinu. Well, as it turns out, V’hareinu is one of Shwekey’s all-time favorite tunes! Seizing the moment, Shwekey proceeded to share a fascinating Hashgacha-filled anecdote back from when he recorded this song for his 2005 Kumzitz album “B’hishorirus.”
After an evening in the recording studio, Yaakov received a call with a request to visit and sing for a sick woman who lived nearby. He happily obliged, and though it was late at night, the woman’s family was present and accompanied him in this impromptu kumzitz. After singing a few of her favorites, Shwekey asked those present if they had any other requests that he could sing for them. “Why don’t you sing the songs that you recorded in the studio tonight,” they suggested. So the young superstar proceeded to sing a medley of songs that he had just recorded, finishing with Simchatone’s V’hareinu.
“You know,” Yaakov remarked, “that last song, V’hareinu, is one of my favorites. I have always loved it, though, to this day, I do not know the song’s origins. We recorded it tonight and before I left, my producer Yochi Briskman gave me some homework. He told me that I needed to find out who composed this song – as this information, at the very least, would be required for the album’s credits. Would any of you happen to know who composed this song?”
At this point, the sick woman’s husband, who had been standing by his wife’s bedside together with his family, turned to Yaakov and replied, “It’s funny you should ask… because my name is Yonah Weinrib, and I am the composer of that song. It was clear to all those present that Hashem had orchestrated this visit not only to bring chizuk to a sick wife and mother, but to help the talented singer identify and meet the creator of this special song. Sadly, Mrs. Miriam Weinrib a”h, was nifteres in December of 2012 after battling a difficult and lengthy illness. Yehi zichrah baruch.
Chazal tell us that the reward for experiencing oneg Shabbos is a “nachalah b’li meitzarim” – homiletically speaking, this refers to a portion without a bein ha’meitzarim. This Shabbos, it is especially fitting that we keep in mind the words of Retzei: “…she’lo te’hei tzarah v’yagon va’anacha b’yom menuchaseinu…,” that there be no distress, no grief, no pain or suffering for ourselves or for any of our fellow Yidden, “v’hareinu Hashem Elokeinu b’nechamas Tzion irecha…,” that we merit to bear witness to the ultimate comfort – the nechamas Tzion – with the immediate rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash.
Wishing you a stress-less day of rest!
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