The dramatic Haftora of the second day of Rosh Hashana refers to Am Yisrael as the people who have survived the sword. ( Yirmeyahu 31:1). Hashem promises (31:12) “I will turn over their mourning to joy. I will comfort them and gladden them from their sorrow.”
The past year, 5784, has, sadly, been a “Year of the sword.” The horrors that began a mere three weeks into the year continue to take their toll in Eretz Yisrael. The ripple effect of global anti-semitism affects Jews worldwide.
While we await the ultimate redemption promised to Rachel Imeinu, “Your children will return to their border” (31:15), we join in the sorrow of our embattled brethren in the Holy Land. We pray for them daily, and must now beg Hashem to comfort the “survivors of the sword” and “provide peace in the land” (Vayikra 26:6).
In the Zichronos section of Musaf on Rosh Hashana, we declare: Regarding countries (medinos) it is said on this day, “which is destined for the sword and which for peace.”
Last Rosh Hashana we all prayed for peace in the country of Israel, but Hashem decided otherwise. This year we must pray harder.
The final pasuk of the Haftorah (31:19), is also the last pasuk recited before the concluding bracha of Zichronos. Hashem describes Efrayim as a precious son and promises “I will surely take pity on him.”
On Rosh Hashana 5785, let our tears merge with those of Rachel Imeinu (31:14) and activate Hashem’s promise to her (31:16), at a time when things seem hopeless. “There is hope for you at the end.” May the light at the end of the tunnel usher in “Shine a new light on Tziyon and may we all merit its light.”
Rabbi Mordechai Willig
Link Rabbi Willig at YU torah online and at Torah Web.
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