Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Consolation is in the air, but do we feel it? Following Tisha B'Av, we read seven consecutive haftarot of consolation. At the annual meeting of the One Family (Mishpacha Achat) organization, I was privileged to speak about consolation in front of hundreds of women who were victims of terrorism. The thoughts that follow were meant not only for them, but for all those who have had to cope with the repercussions of a terrorist attack.
In the Talmud, we read about the concept of "useless consolation." This is consolation that harms more than it helps. When we wish to console someone, we must be careful with our words so that they are truly healing. To consider the exact meaning of our words -- that they are appropriate for the person opposite us to hear.
To console and give comfort is the expertise of women and mothers. Consider the beautiful image the prophet Isaiah evokes: "As someone whose mother comforts him -- so I will comfort you." That is, we must comfort instinctively as a mother comforts her son. Look at a child who hurts himself and notice how his mother hugs and calms him down. That is the model to emulate.
Rabbi Kook once wrote: "At present, our greatest and holiest obligation is to comfort our fellow Jew." To speak words of reassurance that strengthen and uplift.
Here is the last passage in the haftarah that we will read this week on Shabbat. It's an ode to the Land of Israel and to the consolation that will come from turning the wasteland of its ruins into a garden touched by the Divine. "For the Lord shall console Zion, He shall console all its ruins, and He shall make its desert like a paradise and its wasteland like the garden of the Lord; joy and happiness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and a voice of song."
May we merit to console one another and be consoled in this blessed land.
