God's Punishment and Comfort are our Support

Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 4

Even in the "slap" that Hashem gives us, there is a measure of his relationship with us. This is similar to a father who might hit his son who ran into the road, because he loves him and wants him to be safe.

Does G-d Care About Us

Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 5

Yeshayahu's word give the impression that G-d does not care about us and allowed the destruction to take place.

Hester Panim, Exile and Redeption

Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 6

The exile was an active decisions of G-d, the result of which was a state of hester panim for the nation. Those who choose to come and live in the Land today and fulfill the prophecies of yore – merit to return to the protective gaze of Hashem Himself.

Rebuilding Jerusalem

Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 3

Rebuilding Jerusalem includes: physical building of the city, the society, protection from enemies and the Davidic dynasty.

Kibutz Galuyot and Self Hatred

Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 2

In the same verse, Yeshayahu talks about coming back to Israel and self hatred. This bring two opposite explanations.

Is Redemption Fixed or Flexible

Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 1

Different translation to Yesha'ayahu's words bring different opinions to the question - are the times of Mashiach fixed or flexible.

Lack Of Comfort

After The Fast

Small Comforts

Vaetchanan

Between Prophet and Newspaper Reporter

Manasseh is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Isaiah. It would appear, however, that chapters forty to sixty-six of Isaiah represent the period of his reign. We shall try to understand why most of the comfort prophecies are in these chapters.

The Seven Prophecies of Comfort

On each of the seven Sabbaths following Tisha B'Av and leading to Rosh HaShanah we read prophecies of comfort. Yet, what is the purpose of such consolation if the Holy Temple is still absent and the people of Israel continue to suffer great affliction?

Living Through the Destruction

The True Consolation

Without a doubt, the most severe of the many negative effects resulting from Israel's loss of independence was a sense of national inferiority. This feeling gave rise to a desire to mimic the behavior of the nations and to adopt their viewpoints.

Appreciating the Land and the Holy Temple

Just as the Jewish people never forgot their land and has now returned to it, they will, in the same respect, never forget the Holy Temple and will return to it as well - God willing, speedily in our days

Israel's Comfort

Israel's redemption is dependent upon the anticipation of the redemption of all of humanity. It is tied to the vision of the end of days when "no nation will lift sword against another nation."