The Shabbos before Tisha B’Av (always Parsha Devarim) is called “Shabbos Chazon” (Shabbat of Vision). It’s named for the Haftorah, “Chazon Yeshayahu” the vision of Isaiah.

Now, on a literal level, this Haftorah isn’t a positive one. Isaiah’s vision in this Haftorah is a negative one, fitting for the 9 Days, the week we commemorate and mourn the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. Growing up I remember older men in my father’s synagogue singing Lecha Dodi on Shabbat Chazon to a sad & mournful tune, and the(ir) vibe was melancholy.

But Chassidus, as is its way, explores a deeper hidden dimension with a positive twist. There’s a Chassidic tradition (quoted from R’ Hillel Paritcher from R’ Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, as introduced and amplified by the Rebbe) that on this Shabbos, the Shabbat of Vision, every Jew sees, or is shown, deep down in his or her (subconscious) soul, a positive uplifting vision of the rebuilt Jerusalem Temple, a glorious Jewish future.

Shabbos in general is an exit from worldliness, from the constraints and struggles of the material world, a time of added spirituality. Even Halachicly, mourning isn’t permitted on Shabbat, so Rebbe encouraged that all Shabbats of the Three Weeks, and especially Shabbat Chazon be infused with added joy and uplift, in an effort to increase in light to transform the darkness.

So this Shabbat has two meanings: negative and positive, of destruction and construction, of darkness and of light. Similar to my father’s Tisha B’Av has 2 Sides to it and more links and articles on this collection page The Three Weeks, 9 Days, & Tisha B’Av – a Collection.

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This 5784/2024. specifically in the Nine Days in the month of Av, there is a threat hanging over Israel, a time of anxious waiting, a time of difficult uncertainty. The whole year has been exceedingly difficult since October 7th, with much grief and trauma, sadness and upset, throughout the house of Israel. But even so this specific time period is especially worrisome and difficult. There’s a dark unknown.

But we are also a people of faith! Even (or especially) in times like these. “Think Good and will be good!” said the Tzemach Tzedek. The Rebbe strongly encouraged and inspired, taught and instilled a deep broad sense of positive thinking – see Positivity Bias by Mendel Kalmenson (in chapter form) on Chabad.org.

The people of Israel are incredibly resilient. The challenges and adversity brings out an inner strength, fortitude, courage and determination – and in Israelis most of all.  And despite losses and difficulties, we have also been witnessing amazing mind-blowing miracles and blessings! Let’s not forget that! Let’s not take it for granted.

So while this year’s Shabbat Chazon does have a dark cloud hanging over it, there’s also so much to be grateful for and to look forward to. This is more than ever a time to focus on & emphasize the luminous forward vision and not get mired or dragged down in anxiety or despair.