On this last Shabbat of the year, marked by deep loss and hardship for Jews in Israel and around the world, we find comfort in the Haftarah reading and the words of Isaiah:
“בְּכָל־צָרָתָם לוֹ צָר וּמַלְאַךְ פָּנָיו הוֹשִׁיעָם בְּאַהֲבָתוֹ וּבְחֶמְלָתוֹ הוּא גְאָלָם”—”In all their affliction, He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them; in His love and in His compassion, He redeemed them.” (Isaiah 61:10–63:9)
Isaiah reminds us that God does not abandon us in our suffering. He shares our pain and will guide us toward redemption. This message resonates with Parashat Nitzavim, where Moses speaks to the people of Israel about their renewal of the covenant with God, with the promise that they will be His people, and He will be their God.
“לְעָבְרְךָ בִּבְרִית יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, וּבְאָלָתוֹ, אֲשֶׁר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, כֹּרֵת עִמְּךָ הַיּוֹם. לְמַעַן הָקִים אֹתְךָ הַיּוֹם לוֹ לְעָם, וְהוּא יִהְיֶה-לְּךָ לֵאלֹהִים”
“You are entering into a covenant with the Lord your God, and into His oath, which the Lord your God is making with you today, in order to establish you today as His people and He will be your God.” (Deuteronomy 29:11–12)
As we approach the High Holidays, despite the pain, we carry with us the hope for a brighter future, with everlasting faith that God’s will lead us to healing and peace.
We pray for the safety of our brave soldiers, the return of the hostages, and peace in Israel, soon in our days. Shanna Tova U’Metooka to all.