Feeling G-d's Pain

Shabbat Nachamu Vaetchanan

The "three weeks" of mourning the destruction - traditionally called the "three of punishment" (tlasa d'paranusa) - have concluded. This week we commence reading the first of the seven haftorot of Consolation (sheva d'nechemta).

Hence the name of this Shabbat is Shabbat Nachamu - the Shabbat of Consolation - after the opening words of the haftorah "Nachamu, Nachamu Ami" - "Be Comforted, Be Comforted, My People".

Or at least that is how it is traditionally translated.

The Midrash however questions the correctness of this translation. Explains the Midrash: The word "Nachamu" does not mean the passive "Be Comforted" but rather the active "Comfort".

Hence the Midrash says that the correct way to translate the haftorah is as follows: "Comfort (Me), Comfort (Me) My People".

In other words, G-d is asking us to comfort Him!

And herein lies one of the greatest principles of Jewish Belief: G-d shares in our pain and suffering. Or as the prophet describes it: "In all of their suffering, He suffers".

When Jews suffer, G-d suffers with us.

As much as we cry out to G-d for comfort, He too cries out to us for comfort.

When a Jew does something good, G-d experiences great pleasure. And when a Jew experiences happiness, G-d rejoices with him.

Conversely, when a Jew acts inappropriately, G-d suffers trauma. And when a Jew suffers punishment, G-d suffers the punishment with Him.

The Jew and G-d are not merely co-dependent. They are, in their very essence, totally at one.
When we understand this fully, we realize that what we do is not our own private business. It is in our hands to give G-d - the true love of our lives, the One Who is closer to us than anything in Heaven or Earth - the greatest pleasure. Or to cause Him enormous pain.

It is indeed a huge responsibility - and one which we may not always feel up to fulfilling.

But during a week when G-d A-lmighty Himself begs us, "Comfort Me, Comfort Me, My People", can we even contemplate refusing?

We are fully aware of our own pain - but do we give a thought as to what pains G-d?

Instead of focusing on ourselves, let us ask ourselves what we can do to ease G-d's pain.

Let each of us step out of ourselves for a small moment and do something which will give G-d a little joy and nachas, a small amount of happiness and comfort.


Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM