Summary of The Haftorah:
Haftorah Noach
Isaiah 54:1 - 55:5
This Shabbos we read chapter 54 in Yishayuhu that describes Israel in the
aftermath of the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash as afflicted, barren, and
inconsolable. The Navi assures the people that Hashem's kindness and love for
them is ever present, protecting, and sustaining. This is the same Haftorah
as Parshas Ki Tetzay. (the 4th Haftorah of Consolation)
Pasuk 54:9 refers to the destruction of Yerushalayim as "...this is like
the waters of Noach to me..." The Navi lets us know that destruction occurs
when Hashem's kindness and protection is removed from the world and from
Israel. "For a brief moment I forsook you..." (54:7) "...for a moment I hid
my face from you..." (54:8)
The Navi concludes with the reassurance that Hashem remembers His covenant
with the world and the Chosen People. Consequences are the result of Hashem's
presence being more or less manifest in society. The degree to which we
reveal Hashem's influence in our lives is the degree to which His protection
and supervision is realized. Our job is to reveal Hashem through doing His
commandments and learning His Torah.
