Parshas Vaeschanan (Nachamu) 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
קול קורא במדבר פנו דרך ה' ישרו בערבה מסלה לאלקינו ... (ישעי' מ-ג)
In the Haftorah of Shabbos Nachamu, Yeshaya HaNavi exclaims, “A voice rings out ‘clear a road in the desert for Hashem and level a pathway in the wilderness for Hashem.’” These words seem somewhat counterintuitive. Why does the Navi appear to deliver a reprimand once again - especially in the Haftorah of consolation? Surely the nation just needs sympathy - not more reprimands.
R’ Nasan Maimon shlita explains based on the teachings of R’ Nasan Sternhartz zt”l of Nemirov (Likutei Halachos) that Eretz Yisroel is the holiest place on earth and sits at the highest levels of kedushah. Nevertheless, we know that upon learning that the Nation would have to remain in the desert for forty years before they merit entering Eretz Yisroel, Moshe Rabbeinu and Aharon HaKohen did not tell the Nation to sit by idly. Rather, they began focusing on their spiritual growth in the desert itself. In fact, Yeshaya’s reference to Moshe and Aharon “clearing a road in the desert for Hashem” serves as a lesson for all eternity that Klal Yisroel should never turn away from spiritual growth and holiness. Despite our many trials and tribulations - the exiles, pogroms, decrees and the like - our great leaders taught us to strive for greatness wherever we may find ourselves.
And this is the lesson of Nachamu Ami, of comfort! Whether we are in Eretz Yisroel or not, our hearts remain attached to the holiness it offers, and we should never lose hope that we will one day return to that holy place.