This Shabbat we read the fourth of the seven “Haftarot of consolation” that are read between Tisha B’Av and Rosh Hashanah. All seven are taken from the Book of Isaiah, which is devoted to console us from the destruction of the Temples and our present exile.
“It is I” the word used for “I” in this verse (Anochi) is the same word with which H”S began the Ten Commandments when He gave the Torah. This word for “I”, as opposed to the most common word for “I” (Ani) represents G-d’s ineffable essence. The double use in this verse indicates that G-d will console us with a deeper revelation of His essence than that which was given at the giving of the Torah.
Imagine how Awesome is that!
This is possible only because the seven weeks of consolation follow the three weeks of chastisement. When H”S chastises us it comes from a higher expression of His love, which is so intense that it can’t be expressed in any other way.
When a parent punishes his child it comes from a deep love of wanting his child to be the best he can be.
The same way H”S know our potential and our true essence and He wants us to be the best we can be.
After the chastisement has been successful, then the greater love is revealed in a form of consolation.
Shabbat Shalom
Taken from “Chayenu”
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