Parshat Ki Tavo
The haftarah selection that is read this week is taken from Sefer Yeshayahu, as all the seven haftarot of consolation are, and includes the entire 60th perek of that sefer. Upon analyzing the text, we become aware of a delicate shift in the focus of the navi, specifically in regard to his description of the future geula. This is the second haftarah of the seven that begins with words calling for Israel to rejoice. But, as opposed to last week’s opening that refers to Israel as an “akara,” a barren woman, thereby reminding her of her unfortunate state, this haftarah calls out to the nation to “arise and shine” for your light, Hashem’s glory, is already shining upon her.
Furthermore, the words of Yeshayahu do not reassure the people that their pain and suffering will come to an end or describe the cessation of Israel’s punishment as one of the main goals of the geula. In fact, the navi does not even mention their past oppression. Rather, as Rav Moshe Lichtenstein points out, the haftarah describes a redemption during which the very nature of the universe will change—not in a physical way but in a spiritual way.
It is that spiritual change, that divine glory, that is symbolized by the very first pasuk, “Kumi ori ki va orech uch’vod Hashem alayich yeraeh,” the light that shines upon you is a reflection of God’s glory. This theme of light “bookends” the reading, as the selection closes with the promise that neither sun nor moon would be the source of light but, rather, Hashem would serve as the eternal illumination. The repetition of this theme underscores the spiritual enlightening that would take place during the “yemot haMashiach,” the Messianic Era.
But there is yet another underlying message that makes this prophecy stand out among those we have read over these past weeks. The promise made by Hashem in this haftarah is not one limited to the nation of Israel alone. The Navi speaks of the change that would impact all of humanity. We are mistaken when we see the geula as being a uniquely “Jewish” phenomenon, brought to relieve our nation of its burden of suffering and return her to her land. The redemption we dream of must be one that will involve and inspire all of mankind. The “light” that Israel will reflect, as explained in the haftarah, is one that should illuminate everyone, a light that must spread its glow throughout the world, filling it with a spiritual warmth that would inspire humanity to build a more moral, sensitive and caring society—one that recognizes the Creator of mankind and bows to His will. And spreading that light is precisely our responsibility!
That idea is expressed at the very beginning of the perek. When Yeshayahu declares that Hashem’s light will shine upon us, he goes on to say that this would occur while darkness would cover the earth. However, the Navi teaches us: “v’halchu goyim l’orech,” nations will follow your light. In this light (no pun intended) we can better understand the rest of the prophecy. The subservience of the other nations to our people as described here will not be due to our greatness, our military might or our economic success. Nations will follow us and honor us due to the light of God that we are to spread to them. Likewise, the description of the great wealth and precious jewels that would be brought to Yerushalayim, wealth so great that the gates of the city would be kept open at all times, are not meant as an offering to Israel but to Hashem, Whose light they now see. And the glory that would be Yerushalayim, the reverence and veneration that would be shown to her by all, would be simply because it will be recognized as the source from which the Divine light emanates.
Geula will not be the end of our story—but only the beginning. It will be the time that we will be expected to shed God’s light throughout the world and then, if we are successful, true peace and unity will reign.
May we all see that soon.
Rabbi Neil Winkler is the rabbi emeritus of the Young Israel Fort Lee and now lives in Israel.
