07/24/2026
A Message from Rabbi Shain
"Shabbos Nachamu – A Message of Comfort,
Renewal, and New Beginnings"
This Shabbos is called Shabbos Nachamu, after the opening words of the Haftorah: "נחמו נחמו עמי" — "Comfort, comfort My people."
The Rebbe explains that the double expression, "Nachamu, Nachamu," teaches that the comfort will be complete. The destruction of the Beis HaMikdash was not an end, but the beginning of a greater and everlasting redemption. Every descent contains within it the power for an even greater ascent.
The Parsha of the week, Va'etchanan, continues this theme. Moshe Rabbeinu pleads to enter Eretz Yisroel, and although his request was not granted, he does not give up on the Jewish people. Instead, he teaches them the Torah once again, including the Shema Yisrael and the 10 commandments.
Chassidus explains that Moshe is teaching us a profound lesson: even when things do not happen exactly as we hoped, we must continue moving forward with faith, love, and dedication. Every challenge is an invitation to reveal deeper strengths that were previously hidden.
In this week's Parsha we recite: "ואהבת את ה' אלוקיך" — "You shall love Hashem your G-d." Love is not merely an emotion; it is a way of living. Every mitzvah, every act of kindness, every moment of prayer and Torah study draws us closer to Hashem and brings comfort and healing to ourselves and to the world.
Every one of us carries something that needs comfort—perhaps a worry, a disappointment, a challenge, or a prayer that has not yet been answered. Shabbos Nachamu comes and whispers:
Do not give up. Hashem has not forgotten you. The same Hashem who comforted the Jewish people after the destruction comforts each individual soul. The blessing you are waiting for may be closer than you think. The door that seems closed today may be opening to something greater in a tremendous infinite way. The tears of Tisha B'Av are transformed into the joy of redemption.
This Shabbos, let us listen to the message of Moshe Rabbeinu and to the call of the prophet:
Strengthen your faith.
Increase in Torah and mitzvos.
Add one more act of kindness.
Look at another Jew with love.
Look at yourself with hope.
May we merit that the comfort of Shabbos Nachamu be revealed in our personal lives with good health, nachas from our children and grandchildren, success in all our endeavors, and abundant blessings.
And may the ultimate "Nachamu, Nachamu" come immediately with the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash and the coming of Moshiach, when all sorrow will be transformed into everlasting joy.
Shabbat Shalom and a comforting, uplifting Shabbos Nachamu to all!
Shabbat Candle Lighting time: 8:02 pm
This week's Kiddush is sponsored by Dimitry and Katya Stambler in honor of the aufruf of their son, Daniel. Mazal tov to the Stambler family!
