D'var Torah, Va'Etehanan-

On this Shabbat we will read Parashat Vaetchanan, & the Haftara begins with the word 'Nachamu', Hashem is giving us words of comfort, in the Haftarot starting this Shabbat- till Rosh Hashana, 7 Shabbatot in total.

What is the meaning of this comfort? How can you comfort a nation?

A great way to learn the meaning of a word from our Tanach is to llok for it in another place in th Tanach itsself. The first meaning of the word 'Nechama'- comfort in Hebrew is regret. This verb appears in Parashat Bereshit for the first time, when Hashem regrets that he created the world. So comfort is actually regret. Hashem regret for what he did to us.

But how can we say such a thing? How can we say that Hashem regrets, that he has 'second thoughts'?

The Midrashim that describe the process of comfort after the destruction, gives us a surprising description. From these Midrashim we understand this is not only our Destruction, but also Hashem's destruction, pain & mourning. Hashem is connected to us like father & son, he needs this comfort as well!

Indeed, this is not regret in the simple meaning of it, but it's also his destruction. The authority that gives the warning, & the authority that commites the crime are mixed, they are on the same side in this case.

They both suffer in pain, cry & mourn.

But there is another meaning to rthe word 'comfort' in hebrew. A very important motive that repeats in these Haftarot is memory. Comfort is also a memory. Hashem remember us, cares about us, interested in our situation. Its not that he did what did & thats the end of it, of course not.

When we talk about memory as part of our comfort it has a great massage for us. Do we remember who we are, what we were in the past? Do we remember what we can be in present & future? Do we believe that all the great peophecys that were given- talks about us? Do we believe that they talk on our times?

in order to find comfort, we must have great belief in Hashem & in ourselves. We must believe that we deserve these prophecys, & we must want it happening asap.

Comfort is regret for the past & remember the future. With it, & with our hope & commitment to a better present & future, we will find true comfort.

(Credit to, R` Moshe).

Halacha Yomi(m) 99, 100 (last)-

1) One may not get benefit from wine from a idol worshiper, or drink it, but from a Noahide- he may get benefit but not drink (Mishneh Torah, Sefer Kedusha, Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 11:7).

2) When a Jew converts out of Judaism, he needs a new conversion (Mapah, Yoreh De'ah 268:12). [We don't follow this p'sak today, rather one doesn't need a new conversion. This is brought down in Iggrot Moshe.]

Halacha Yomi 98-

Anyone who wants may return to G-d (Tanya- Iggeret HaT'shuvah Perek 1. Deuteronomy 4:39).

Saying the names of false gods-

One may not say the name of false gods, unless they are in the holy bible (Exodus 23:13, Sanhedrin 63b, Mishneh Torah, Sefer HaMadah, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 5:11).

Halacha Yomi 97-

A may not touch a women, and if done it would be punishable by Malkot- if there was a Sanhedrin (Mishneh Torah, Sefer HaMitsvot negative commandment 353).

D'var Torah Devarim-

In this weeks Parsha, it speaks about G-d wiping out the other nations. If we look, in the Torah- we see many times that G-d talks about the amazing deeds & miracles he did for us.

Why must G-d emphasize this so much in the Torah?

In the Gemara, there is a story about a big Rabbi who was learning once, and a "spirit" came to him. This person was a Mumar (person that violated Shabbat in public, or worshiped false gods in public). The Rabbi asked him "how could you turn from G-d, when he did ALL those amazing miracles right in front of your face?"the man answered "if you were alive in this generation, you would run to kiss the gods' feet".

This teaches us not to be so judgmental of others who do bad things, and always be "Dan Lechaf Zechut- judge favorably".

We must not judge others, and always remember Hash-m is the judge not us!

Shabbat Shalom!

Halacha Yomi(m) 94, 95, 96-

1) One may not wash clothes on Tisha B'av, even if it's his only clothing (Yalkut Yosef Moadim, page 559).

2) One may not drink or get benefit from wine of a idolater (Mishneh Torah, Sefer Kedusha, Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 11:7).

3) According to B'nei Ashkenaz, they light the candles of Shabbat then say the B'racha (Mapah, Orah Haim 263:5-Kaf HaHayim, Mahzik Bracha, Ben Ish Hai, and Kaf HaHayim). Minhag Sephardim is to light before (Kaf HaHayim Palagi, Maran Shulhan Aruch Orah Haim 263:5).