Bostoner Torah Insights: Bostoner ‘Chassidus’ in Heberw and English: Parshas Eikev – 18 Menachem Av 5786
Bostoner Torah Insights - Yerushalayim
Bostoner Torah Insights
Bostoner ‘Chassidus’ in English
Parshas Eikev – 18 Menachem Av 5786
Bostoner Rebbe shlit’a – Yerushalayim
Secretariat Email: bosto...@gmail.com
»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»
The Pri Tzaddik (Parshas Devarim, #12) explains that the Three Weeks preceding Tisha B'Av are a time to "repair" our faculties of sight, hearing and speech, which have been damaged through transgression. Each of the three Haftoros of Puraniyos highlights one of these gifts that Hashem bestowed upon us to serve Him, but which were instead abused through sin. The first Haftorah is Divrei Yirmiyahu ("The words of Yirmiyahu"), the second is Shimu ("Hear"), and the third is Chazon Yeshayahu ("The Vision of Yeshayahu").
In a similar vein, the Bostoner Rebbe zt"l explained that the three Parshiyos following Tisha B'Av also correspond to speech, hearing and sight. Last week we read Va'eschanan ("I beseeched"), referring to prayer and speech. This week's Parsha begins, "Eikev Tishme'un" ("If you will listen"), symbolizing the sense of hearing. Finally, next week we read Re'eh ("See"), a direct reference to the faculty of sight.
Expanding upon the approaches of the Pri Tzaddik and my father zt"l, perhaps these three faculties may be sanctified each week through the observance of Shabbos. On Friday night we recite Kiddush, proclaiming Hashem's mastery of creation through speech. On Shabbos morning we listen to the Torah and Haftorah readings, as well as the references to Shabbos in the Chazzan's repetition. Finally, Shabbos afternoon, described by the Ariz"l as a time "LeMechzei Ziv DiZe'eir Anpin" ("to behold the radiance of Hashem's Presence"), is a time to envision the future redemption and the eternal Yom SheKulo Shabbos.
These same three faculties are reflected in Kriyas Shema. The first paragraph, in Parshas Va'eschanan, commands, "VeDibarta Bam" ("You shall speak of them"). The second paragraph, in this week's Parsha, begins "VeHaya Im Shamo'a" ("If you will surely listen"). The third paragraph, in Parshas Shelach, concludes, "U'Re'isem Oso" ("You shall see them"), referring to the Tzitzis that inspire us to remember all of Hashem's Mitzvos.
This progression also appears in the blessing immediately preceding the morning Shema. We ask Hashem to enable us "Lishmo'a" ("to hear") the "Divrei Talmud Torasecha" ("the words of Your Torah"), and conclude by praying, "VeHa'er Eineinu" ("Enlighten our eyes") through His Torah.
Beyond repairing our senses, these Parshiyos and Haftoros seek to transform our outlook. Their purpose is to lift us from the darkness of Tisha B'Av and guide us toward the light of Rosh HaShanah: "Hashem Ori" ("Hashem is my light") (Tehillim 27:1).
Just as the Three Weeks progress through ascending stages of mourning, so too the Seven Weeks of Consolation rise through successive levels of comfort. The Haftoros of Va'eschanan, Eikev and Re'eh encourage Klal Yisroel to console one another. The next three Haftoros reveal, k'viyachol, Hashem's own anguish over our suffering, assuring us, "I, I am He Who comforts you," "Sing, O barren one," and "Arise, shine," heralding the coming redemption.
The seventh and final Haftorah expresses Klal Yisroel's response. Unsatisfied with personal salvation alone, we proclaim, "Sos Asis BaHashem, Tagel Nafshi B'Elokai" ("I shall rejoice in Hashem; my soul shall exult in my G-d"). Our ultimate longing is not merely relief from Galus, but that Hashem's glory be recognized throughout the world and that we once again merit true closeness to Him.
These special weeks allow us to rededicate our eyes, ears and mouth to the purposes for which they were created. With renewed faculties, we can enter Elul prepared for sincere Teshuvah, rather than being guilty of "Toveil V'Sheretz B'Yado"—immersing while still holding impurity. Having ascended from mourning to consolation, may we merit complete forgiveness, the coming of Moshiach, and the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash, speedily in our days.