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B'H  Chabad of North County Inland has now become the only Shul in our area that has Minyanim everyday.  I want to thank everyone for their commitment to making the Minyanim at Chabad of NCI so strong. A Minyan is the Backbone of a Shul and is the Collective Soul of the Community.

Thank you to all those who joined us on Thursday, September 5. We look forward to seeing you at our next class!

Good Shabbos,
Rabbi Moss

Haftorah Commentary - Shoftim
(Isaiah 51:12-52:12)

This is the fourth of the “seven haftarot of consolation,” all taken from the book
of Isaiah. These segments are not read in the order in which they appear in
Scripture. The commentary of Tosafot on the Talmud remarks that “the way about
these consolations is that they become finer as they continue.” There are greater
and more intense levels of consolation in each of the readings as they go on.

The way in which the comforter comforts is in a gradual fashion. After beginning
with Nachamu (“Comfort,” the first of the seven readings) the
ensuing haftarot acknowledge the deep bereavement of the people. The next two
readings begin “Zion said, ‘Gd has forsaken me, my Lrd has forgotten me” and “O
afflicted, storm-tossed one, who has not been consoled.” These segments are read
before the [fourth] reading, which begins “I, only I, am He who comforts you.” Only
after Gd consoles His people with His great mercy is there is no room to call her
“[one] who has not been consoled.” Until now it had been the prophets who
consoled her, but from now on it is the Almighty Himself. After this comfort has
been offered, the Almighty apportions it much goodness and greatness—which
appear in the next three readings.

This week’s haftarah begins with the comfort coming from Gd Himself, a full and
total comfort. Once this has been achieved, the next three haftarot speak of
tremendous elevation for the Jewish people in the time of Moshiach.

The haftorah begins with the prophet Yeshaya representing Hashem and telling the
Jewish people, “I Myself am the One who will console you.” (51:12) The Jewish
people were told that Hashem will personally comfort them and redeem them from
their exile. Yeshaya continues and says, “And I am your Hashem…. who will firmly
establish you. Say to the inhabitants of Zion, ‘You are My people.” (51:16) These
passages indicate that there is some hesitation on the part of the Jewish nation
regarding their return to Zion. There seems to be an insecurity in the minds of the
Jewish people concerning the permanence of their return. The Jewish people have
previously experienced the process of exile and return but their return was short-
lived. They, therefore, express their concern to Hashem and request some
guarantee that, this time, their return will be permanent. Hashem responded that
this time He would personally bring them back to Zion and that their fears were
over.

In the concluding lines of the haftorah Yeshaya says: “How beautiful ascending the
mountain are the footsteps of the herald proclaiming, “ dreyi ,aeh ,mely (Peace,
Good, Salvation), saying to Zion “Your Hashem has come to reign …. the sound of
your lookouts raising their voice in unison and singing, because with perfect clarity
they will behold the return of Hashem to Zion.”

The Baal Haturim (Bamidbar 14:14) shares this understanding and contrasts the
nation’s experience at Mount Sinai to their experience during the era of Mashiach.
Although they did merit to directly “view” Hashem’s presence when He stated in the
Ten Commandments, “I am your Hashem’, this experience was overwhelming to
them and they lost consciousness. Chazal (see Shabbos 88b) reveal to us that they
were miraculously revived after each one of the commandments. However, in the
era of Mashiach the Jewish people’s spiritual capacity will be greatly increased and
they will be capable of viewing Hashem’s presence with total clarity. This comment
is based on the passage in this week’s haftorah which states, “Because with perfect
clarity they will behold Hashem’s return to Zion.” The actual wording reads, “From
eye to eye” which indicates that we will look Hashem directly in the eye. Hashem’s
return will be so tangible to the Jewish people that they will merit to sense His
presence with perfect clarity.

Now that their return to Hashem was being suggested, they responded with great
concern, “What will guarantee that we won’t repeat our previous failings?” Hashem
answered, “‘I Myself’ will redeem you.” Hashem informed them that this time the
return will assume far greater proportions than ever before. By the time of
redemption, the Jewish people will be prepared to adequately absorb the
revelations of Hashem and internalize them. These revelations will yield most
perfect results and an everlasting bond will be established between Hashem and
His people. As heard in the opening words of this parasha, (“I” and “Myself”) will be felt reflecting a perfect revelation from Hashem’s standpoint and an adequate absorption and internalization of this from the Jewish people as well. In essence Hashem will lay the Jewish people’s fears to rest by doubling His commitment. Not only will there be a revelation from His side but even we, mortal beings, will absorb this revelation and relate to it with perfect clarity. Our “eye”, our sense of Hashem and His “eye”, the actual degree of His revelation will be one and the same. This will yield a most perfect relationship, an everlasting association with our true husband and father above. May we merit to see this day.

1. Shoftim Haftarah Companion by Rabbi Mendel Dubov

"Chai Partnership" is a unique way to support the work at Bais Betzalel Chabad of NCI.  It's a form of collaboration and together, we protect, perpetuate and build the essential identity that has been bequeathed to us by our parents, grandparents, and ancestors.  Chai Partnerships are available for anyone that contributes monthly.  

Together, we ensure a vibrant and joyful Jewish future!

THANK YOU TO THE CHAI CLUB PARTNERS THAT HELP MAKE PROGRAMMING AT CHABAD OF NCI POSSIBLE.
                                      

Michael Palais                                           Oscar and Lynda Stewart

Andrew Kwittken                                     Dr. Rob and Jill Reichman

Michael and Svetlana Kritzer                Jonathan and Esther Rosenberg

Ben Bebashkin                                           Moe and Sarah Shemirani

Sol and Ellen Pinczewski                        Scott and Sarit Reich

Jay Hecht                                                     Dr. Roger Acheatel

Jeff Eisman                                                 Josh and Rebecca Jacobs

Todd Frank                                                  Allen and Carole Lax 

Jordan and Debbie Alpert                       Dr. Gil and Erica Furman

Dr. Paul Neustein                                      Dr. Roneet Lev and Dr Steve Lee

Fred and Mitra Nasseri                           Norman and Ruth Berger                     

Michael and Larisa Sosis                       Dr. Ron Levin                                              

Dr. Phil Wrotslavsky.                              Danny and Hila Almog 

Hannah Kaye in Loving Memory of her Father Dr Howard Kaye OBM

Sam and Joyce Hoffman.                      Dimitry Tsimberg      

 Joseph and Minoo Anvari.                  George and Robyn White