This coming Motzei Shabbat (Saturday night) and Sunday we will commemorate the sad day of Tisha ba’v. The day of fasting and mourning, over the destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple.

This Shabbat is given a special name, it is called “Shabbat Chazon” literally the “Shabbat of vision.” This is because this week we read the Haftorah of “Chazon Yeshayahu.” This Haftorah is always read right before Tisha B’av.

Tisha B’av is a time when we think about the different calamities that befell the Jewish people. We also reflect on the Holocaust, and other moments of recent tragedies.

There was a very special individual who was part of the Shule I grew up in. Joe Getz a holocaust survivor, was the sole survivor of his little town in Poland. After his initial escape from being sent to the concentration camps, he joined the partisans in their efforts to save other Jews as well.

He would have the distinct honour of reading the Haftorah on the Shabbat prior to Tisha B’av. It was a very emotional moment each time he did it. He said he was representing his entire Shtetl that was lost, for he would sing it in the same tune that his community would sing.

Although he had many reasons to be broken and sad, he was a happy and cheerful man. Had a great sense of humour and was always hopeful for the future of the Jewish people.

I think about him this year specifically, as Shabbat is immediately before Tisha B’av. Shabbat brings a sense of rest and comfort, even before the day of mourning and sadness sets in.

Perhaps the message is, that even before a challenge, Hashem already has the solution, and that solution has already been set in motion.

Even though we do set times for reflection, for moments of sadness and mourning. We should know that they are also coupled with a sense of hope and confidence because we know Hashem is at our side.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and easy fast.
Shabbat Shalom