The haphtarah for parshas Ekev is the second of seven readings of
consolation from the prophets. These seven haphtarahs extend from the fast of
the ninth of Av until Rosh Hashanah. This week so to speak Zion cries that it
has been abandoned and forgotten by Hashem. Zion is the name of the Temple
Mount and in this case a metaphor for the good people who have kept the faith
through the tribulations of the nation culminating with the destruction of the
Beis Mikdash.
This consolation is partially for the prophet but primarily for the
simple believers who loved the nation, its shrines, and holidays. The common folk
could be compared to Rabbi Aryeh Leib also known as the “Shpoli Zeide”,
literally the grandpa from Shpoli. He is described in “Morei HaChassidus”, by
Eliezer Steinman as a hidden tzadik who would sing songs, make peace in
families, and defend the weak. A frequently repeated legend is brought that he
had a special fondness for misfits, thieves, and scoundrels, Jews who had
fallen on hard times, but who were nonetheless good-hearted souls.
In a particularly famous story about him takes place during a major
famine in Russia. The rabbi was heartsick because of the plight of the poor and
needy. Because he was known as a miracle worker, other rabbis asked him to
intercede in heaven on behalf of the Jewish people. With that he requested the
ten most righteous rabbis of the time to act as a Din Torah because he was
taking the All Mighty to court. With that he stated his case which basically
revolved around his weltanschauung that in such a bitter exile, another people
would not keep one commandment. Yet Israel does keep the commandments and
performs so many good deeds. After due deliberation, the court found in his
favor, and days later a miracle occurred. The government decided to ship in
tons of wheat from Siberia and the famine was over.
For the common people the haphtarah assures them that actions of G-d are
for the sake of Jerusalem. If they look carefully they will see that their
children are hastening towards them just as their enemies are hastening away.
All will be bedecked like a bride and the wedding will be so crowded people
will wonder where so many guests came from. Kings and ministers will be your
patrons and will bow to the ground and lick the dust of your feet. They,
themselves will recognize the holy One, blessed be He, and those that hope to
Him will never be put to shame. They are reminded that G-d is more powerful
than the strongest man. He will severely punish their enemies and all mankind
will know that their savior is the Mighty One of Jacob.
Encouragement is also given to the prophet and like-minded souls. Hashem
tells Isaiah that not only we he restore Israel but he will be a light to the
nations as well. Even though he has be disgraced by man and loathed by his
nation at a proper time he will rule over kings because G-d is faithful to His
word and has chosen him. The prophet declares that G-d has given him a sharp
ear and a learned tongue to sustain the weary. He did not rebel in the face of
pain and abuse; rather G-d gave him forbearance and courage. Heaven vindicated
his actions and his enemies became like and old garment, tattered and moth
eaten. He then expresses confidence that G-d will return to Zion. The
desolations will become delights as pleasant as the garden of Hashem. Joy and
gladness will be found in it with thanksgiving and the sound of music.
לע"נ, הדוד ,שמואל
בן נח ז"ל נלב"ע ט"ו אב תשס"ט,
Acknowledgements to websites:
תורת אמת, וויקיטקסט, http://dictionary.reference.com/,
http://hebrewbooks.org/,
וגם בדואר אלקטרוני
ניתן באתר http://dyschreiber.blogspot.co.il
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