Isaiah chapter 40:1 begins with the well known Hebrew words Nachamu Nachamu Ami (“Comfort, comfort my people!”). The duplicated word Nachamu has gematria 104, which times 2 equals Yitzchak (gematria 208). Now, Yitzchak personifies the attribute of Gevurah (“Severity/Discipline”). As such, the true and complete comfort implies in the embracing of discipline/Gevurah to serve G-d. This means the moving away from leniencies which have dominated the observant community and the moving towards a life of chidurim, so as not to live a life close to the boundaries of Halacha but truly in its center and spirit. This is the reality of the Mashiach, for he will come to rule by the mishpat/law, as a king. The law will be in accordance of Beit Shammai, the archetype of chidurim. King Mashiach will reign not by democracy. He will impose the mishpat by force. Now, those who already want to live messianic lives must be trying their best to be already living the Halacha in accordance to Beit Shammai or at the very least, avoiding the (so abused) kulah/leniency mentality. Then, they will be ready and G-d wiling become part of the "remnant community of Israel" (Micah 5:2) who will live the new order to come, may it be readily in our days amen.
First day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar 5771
