This week, Chayim and I had the pleasure of seeing the musical Hello, Dolly! It’s a joy and cheerful production, filled with music, laughter, and the charm of its main character, Dolly Levi, played by the wonderful Imelda Staunton.
There’s a moment in the musical that struck me deeply—a moment where the characters realise that life can change in just one moment, and that sometimes, all we need is to seize that moment to find happiness, connection, or meaning.
As I reflected on this idea, I couldn’t help but think about the gift of Shabbat, especially this Shabbat, known as Shabbat Nachamu—the Shabbat of Comfort. It comes after the sorrow of Tisha B’Av, and it offers us a unique opportunity to find comfort, peace, and, yes, joy, just as the characters in Hello, Dolly! find their way to happiness.
Hello, Dolly! reminds us that life’s most meaningful moments often come in simple, unexpected ways—a dance, a song, a kind word. In a similar way, Shabbat offers us a sanctuary in time, a moment where we can step away from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, and embrace the stillness and holiness of the day. It’s a chance to be present, to connect with our loved ones, and to reflect on what truly matters.
This Shabbat, now that we have lit the candles and have come together as a community, we are given the gift of a moment—one precious moment to breathe, to pause, and to let the beauty of Shabbat fill our hearts. It is in these moments that we find comfort, that we experience joy, and that we reconnect with the Divine.
Shabbat Nachamu is about finding comfort after a period of mourning, and it’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light, there is hope.
Sometimes, comfort comes from the sacred rituals of our tradition, and other times, it might come from something as simple as a musical—a story that lifts our spirits and reminds us of the joy that life can offer.
As we enter this Shabbat, let us take a moment to appreciate the sanctuary in time that Shabbat provides. Let us find comfort in the rhythm of our prayers, in the warmth of our community, and in the joy of being together. And let us remember that sometimes, the simplest pleasures—a song, a story, a shared meal—can bring us the greatest comfort and joy.
May this Shabbat Nachamu bring you all peace, comfort, and joy. Shabbat Shalom.
