This Shabbat, the one before Tisha B'Av, is known as Shabbat Chazon because the haftarah that is then read in the synagogue begins with the words Chazon Yeshayahu (the vision of the Prophet Isaiah).

This vision is a prophecy in which the prophet chastises his people for their rebellion against G-d. While the sad tone of this prophecy serves as an introduction to the mourning of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, there is in it a vision of a happy end.

"If your sins will be like scarlet," the prophet comforts us in the Name of G-d, "they will whiten like snow." This optimistic tone is climaxed by the promise that "If you will be willing and obey, you shall eat the goodness of the Land."

This is the vision that must be internalized by Jews everywhere and one which will bring blessings to Israel forever.

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