In the Haftara for Shabbat Nachamu (Yishayahu 40:1-26) we find four voices of comfort.
The fourth voice, the voice of Mevaseret Zion, the female bearer of good tidings, is found in verses 9-11:
Ascend the high mountain, you who bear tidings to Zion (Mevaseret Zion); raise your voice in strength, with tidings to Jerusalem (Mevaseret Yerushalayim). Raise it- do not fear- call out loud to the cities of Yehuda, “Behold, your God.” Behold! The Lord, your God will come with strength, and His arm will rule for Him; Behold! His prize is with Him, and His reward is before Him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd: He will gather lambs into His arms and carry them in His embrace, guiding His young.
This prophecy can be compared to a king who returns to his land with his army after the war. He sends someone before him to announce his arrival. Women were sent to make the announcements since they were available and their voices were louder when they called out from the mountain tops. Often they also sang a song of victory.
God is like a king whose arrival is announced with fanfare. God is also like a strong leader that fought his enemies and is bringing back rewards. As well, He is like a shepherd who takes care of his flock and brings back his sheep. God is bringing the Jewish people back from exile and protecting them like a shepherd would protect his sheep. He carries the Jewish people back just as a mother would carry her child.
Two modern day towns is Israel, Mevaseret Zion and Mevaseret Yerushalayim were inspired by this Haftara.
Mevaseret Zion is located on a mountain ridge on the outskirts of Jerusalem, stretching out on both sides of the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv Highway. It is composed of two distinct townships, Maoz Zion and Mevaseret Yerushalayim who formed a joint legal council in 1963. Maoz Zion was established in 1951 to house new immigrants from Iran, Kurdistan and North Africa who had been living in a transit camp, at the foot of the Castel hill. Mevasseret Yerushalayim was established east of Maoz Zion in 1956 by new immigrants from North Africa. It was located north of Motza.
Settlement in the area goes back to antiquity. The Romans built a fortress there, known as Castellum. On the ruins of this fortress, the Crusaders built a castle, Castellum Belveer, of which no trace remains. During the British Mandate, it was referred to as The Castle. The Jews called it HaCástel.
The prophecy of comfort from Yishayahu is already beginning to come true, the Jewish people have been returning to their land.
The name, Mevasseret Zion reminds us that God will bring the Jewish people back to Israel and take care of them.
The next time that you are on the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway, look for the sign for Mevaseret and remember that the prophecies are slowly unfolding before our eyes.
May we hear good news!
