From Mourning to Comfort: A Season of Renewal - 8/7/25

The past three weeks have been a period of mourning for the Jewish people, culminating in Tisha B’Av—the 9th of the Hebrew month of Av—which we commemorated together on Saturday night at Beth Hillel Temple. On Tisha B’Av, we recall the destruction of both Temples in Jerusalem (in 586 BCE and 70 CE), along with other moments of profound loss throughout Jewish history. It is not an easy day, but it is a necessary one—reminding us of the weight of our past and the resilience it has shaped in us.

For those who are drawn to timelines and historical perspective, I recommend one of my favorite resources: Odyeda’s Jewish history timeline. It’s a powerful visual reminder of just how far we’ve come.

While I tend to focus more on the strength and joy of the Jewish experience, holding the full story—both the sorrow and the hope—is part of living a deeply rooted Jewish life.

This week, we begin a new season in our calendar cycle: a period of consolation and reflection. The haftarah for this Shabbat, from Isaiah 40:1–26, opens with the word “Nachamu”—be comforted. This Shabbat, known as Shabbat Nachamu, is the first of seven weeks of comforting haftarot leading us toward Rosh Hashanah. After the pain of Tisha B’Av, we now make space for healing.

We also mark a lesser-known holiday this week: Tu B’Av, the 15th of Av. In ancient times, it marked the beginning of the grape harvest. During the Second Temple period, young women dressed in white would dance in the vineyards, and unmarried men would come to meet them. In modern Israel, Tu B’Av has taken on a role similar to Valentine’s Day, a day of love and new beginnings.

As a wine enthusiast, I also welcome this moment in the agricultural calendar. In Jewish tradition, wine and grape juice represent joy—ritually, spiritually, and personally. So in the days ahead, as we move from mourning to comfort, may we each find small ways to nurture joy.

This Shabbat, I invite you to extend comfort to someone who needs it—including yourself. And perhaps raise a glass—to the start of a new season, to the resilience of our people, and to the sweetness we hope to taste as we approach 5786 together.

Shabbat Shalom, 

Rabbi Hannah Wallick