Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

This Shabbat morning we chant the sixth of seven haftarot of consolation that connect Tisha b’Av, which marks calamities, to Rosh Hashana, which marks hope and a new beginning.

Each of these seven haftarah passages come from the latter chapters of the prophet Isaiah, known in scholarly circles as Deutero-Isaiah; they were written by a different author than the first half of Isaiah. The important take-away is the following: there are times in our lives when we need consoling. Most of us – independent, self-reliant, proud – have trouble accepting this need. But one fundamental aspect of a religious life is the possibility – indeed, the opportunity – to be consoled, to depend on G-d’s love as an antidote for the harshness of the world.

As we enter the Days of Awe, consider how you can turn to G-d for solace, inspiration, and strength.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill