Redemption Is "Fast" Approaching

Devarim begins a new Sefer, the last of the Chumash. It represents Moshe’s final "sermon" to his nation, just weeks before he will die on his 120th birthday. This Sedra MUST always read on the Shabbat preceding Tisha B’Av. Why?

I suggest that the Torah - & Moshe Rabbeinu – are once again emphasizing the point that there are always second chances in life, always opportunities to start over again. A new Sefer, a new chapter, a new and renewed commitment to Jewish ideals.

When we fast, we manifest this idea physiologically. We "clean out" our system by letting our body "go fallow" for the day, with no food or drink allowed in. When the Fast ends, we "start over," our bodies now having been purged & purified.

The fasts of Tisha B’Av & Yom Kippur are strategically linked to one another: They are held relatively close to each other – with only the month of Elul dividing them - & they are the only 25-hour fasts in our calendar. They also share the same goal & purpose; but they arrive at their destination in two very different kinds of vehicles.

Tisha B’Av represents approaching Hashem via Yirah; fear, awe & trepidation. As we confront and contemplate the frightening calamities that have befallen us throughout history – from Churban to Inquisition to Shoa – we come to the realization that without G-d’s protective shield, we are subject to any & all misfortune at the hands of the nations. And so we seek shelter in His Divine presence.

Yom Kippur also is an opportunity to draw closer to the Almighty. But its approach is one of Ahava; wanting to shed the sins which scar our souls, seeking G-d "where He may be found." Appreciating all He gives us, immersing ourselves in prayer & petition all day long, wearing white to symbolize the pure neshama which we seek for ourselves.

Tisha B’Av comes before Elul. It is akin to the Mitzvot Lo Ta’aseh, the negative commandments of the Torah. There are more of them than the positive Mitzvot (365-248), for abstaining from sin precedes the performance of positive actions. (This is precisely why Hillel told the convert, "Do not do to others that which you don’t want them to do to you," instead of "Do to others as you would have them do to you.") Fear is the most basic, primal motivator of Man and is a necessary first step.

But then comes Elul & Yom Kippur. We are ready now to go forward & elevate ourselves in spiritual growth. Fear gives way to love; Black turns into White, & Hashem is ready to receive us.

Redemption, please G-d, comes Fast.