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Hello RTFH Congregants,
This past Sunday, we observed Tisha B’Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. This upcoming Shabbat marks two entirely different days. The first, Shabbat Nachamu, occurs on the Shabbat directly following Tisha B’Av. Shabbat Nachamu is named for the haftarah portion that is read, Isaiah 40:1-26, which begins “Comfort, oh comfort My people, Says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1, Revised JPS 2023 translation). After the intense mourning on Tisha B’Av, we are reminded that there is comfort to be found in something greater than ourselves. The second is the holiday of Tu B’Av, the Jewish day of love. In ancient times, this was the day when matches were made and people were permitted to marry outside of their tribes.
It is notable that a day of mourning be followed by two distinct days for finding comfort. During Shabbat Nachamu we find comfort in the Divine. It is our spirituality and connection to something larger than ourselves that uplifts our souls. In contrast, during Tu B’Av, we find comfort through our personal relationships. It can be challenging for us in the modern world to find the comfort promised to us in Isaiah. Perhaps for some it feels like a perpetual Tisha B’Av, a constant mourning of all the suffering that is going on. I hope that, however you choose to find comfort, you can find moments of calm. Our Jewish tradition reminds us that life is about balance. We must find comfort after the sadness, so that we can have the clarity of mind to pursue what we love.
L’Shalom,
Rabbinic Intern Jules Ilian
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