The Prophecy Project

The Haftorah of Parshat Netzavim, Isaiah 61-62, represents the conclusion of the seven Haftorot of consolation. As such, we can expect that the vision of redemption listed therein will be the most intensive. The dominant images of our Haftorah are those of love and marriage. The prophet imagines himself a groomsman celebrating the marriage of God and His nation/land. God has dressed him in the glorious wedding clothes. The land of Israel which was once lonely and rejected, now stands as cheftzi bah, intensely desired. Whereas once Israel failed to live up to its responsibilities, she now walks proudly beside God. Raised voices recurs as a dominant image in this prophecy. For the sake of Zion, I shall not be silent, and for the sake of Jerusalem I will not shut up (61:1); and you will be called a new name (61:2); you will be called the desired one (61:4); the ones who declare Gods name will not be silent, nor should you (61:6); and do not be silent unto Him (61:5). In generations past, the nations of the world did not mention Jerusalem for it was insignificant. Jews failed to call out the name Jerusalem for fear of punishment in exile. The era of redemption finds the nations referring proudly to the name Jerusalem and asks the redeemed Israelites to respond in kind. Finally, the Haftorah concludes with Israel embracing a new personality. Whereas once they were declared alone and forsaken, they now stand as a redeemed, desired, and holy nations. Their fortunes transformed by the appearance of their redeemer. The past seven weeks built to this crescendo. We hope only that the approaching new year brings the miracles and celebrations described.

Welcome Our New Rabbinic Intern Tuvia Brander

Hailing from the Sunshine State, Tuvia Brander graduated from Yeshiva College in 2012 with a B.A. in Mathematics and a minor in Jewish Studies. Working for the universitys service learning department, he is the director of the Yeshiva University Kansas City Summer Experience and has led the Yeshiva University-American Jewish World Service Humanitarian Mission to Muchucuxcah, Mexico. On campus, he serves as the Head Resident Adviser, the executive editor of Gesher: Yeshiva University Journal of Jewish Studies and was Chief Justice of the Student Court. Tuvia has a passion for youth work and has played leadership roles in a number of different youth initiatives including NCSY Shoresh, Plainview FNL, and the Torah Leadership Network. He enjoys fishing, reading and amateur archeology. He is continuing his education as a Wexner Graduate Fellow at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary while pursing an M.A. in Bible at the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies.