Shabbat Nachamu: A Shabbat of Consolation

Question

Hi Rabbi,

Does the Shabbat after Tisha B’Av have a special name and significance? Thanks and Shabbat Shalom.

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Comfort follows tragedy.

    After three weeks in which the haftarot read in the synagogue on Shabbat spoke of the tragedies which the prophet warned would befall the people of Israel as a consequence of their sins, we are provided with a special gift of consolation for all time. m God tells the Jewish People: “Be comforted, be comforted (nachamu, nachmamu) My nation.” (Isaiah 40:1-26)

    From this verse the Shabbat after Tisha b’Av has acquired a special name of “Shabbat Nachamu”- Shabbat of consolation. And it is not only this one haftara on Shabbat Nachamu that follows the fast of Tisha B’Av, but there are seven entire weeks of comforting prophecies.

    What a wonderful message for the Jewish People, not only at the time of the destruction of the Temples, but a message for our time as well. The sweet words of comfort that the prophet says in the name of God communicate the message that the previous suffering was the therapy of a loving Father who wishes to direct His children on the path that will lead them to fulfillment of their mission in life.

    May we merit to soon hear those words of comfort for our current suffering, and see the Jewish People and Israel in good health, and in peace and security forever.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team