Is Europe’s Gas Crisis a Sign of Redemption?

On Shabbat, we read the Haftarah of Parshat Ki Tavo. In this Haftarah, the prophet Isaiah describes events that will occur during the time of redemption. He speaks of various occurrences, including the ingathering of Jews from the diaspora; nations wishing to align themselves with the Jewish people, bringing gold and silver to beautify the Temple; and performing the labor and craft of the land. Nations that fought against the Jewish people will be destroyed, and those who reviled us will bow in submission. The abundance of all nations will be transferred to the Jewish people. No longer will there be troubles for the Jewish people, no more cries of plunder and destruction.

One of the verses at the beginning of the prophecy resonates with current global events. The prophet says, "For behold, darkness will cover the earth and thick darkness the peoples, and upon you Hashem will shine, and His glory will be seen upon you" (Isaiah 60:2). The meaning of the verse is that calamities will come upon the nations of the world, while we will receive the light of salvation. Perhaps these words will also manifest literally, with darkness overtaking the nations.

Recently, due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, a severe energy crisis has unfolded in Europe, with Germany being the most significantly affected. Germany’s Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, stated, "We are in the greatest energy crisis Germany has ever known." He further added that it marks the end of an era for Germany, and its industrial advantage may never return.

In this context, several factories in Germany announced full or partial production halts, raising fears of layoffs and a financial crisis in the European Union. Germany introduced a series of regulations to save electricity, including turning off lighting in 300 public buildings in Berlin, among them shops, supermarkets, and tourist sites such as the Brandenburg Gate.

But Germany is not the only country in crisis. All of Europe has adopted a policy of reducing energy and gas usage. Gas supply to Italy has been reduced, and to France, supply has been cut off altogether, causing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to go dark earlier than usual to save electricity. It was also decided to limit heating to 17 degrees in enclosed spaces, similar to regulations in Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. Additional laws were enforced across various European countries, such as bans on heating water for showers and handwashing, and restrictions on using spiral stoves. Citizens are advised to shower less. The UK is considering implementing similar measures.

Different countries issued new protocols—turning off lights after business hours, contrary to the standard practice of leaving lights on in public buildings and companies to connote liveliness and activity.

As winter approaches, the situation may worsen across different European states, leading to further reductions in heating and lighting, even in capital cities.

As summarized by the global economic news outlet QUARTZ: "The crisis Europe is undergoing, with skyrocketing electricity prices, transforms the need for lighting into a financial burden. Add to that the threat of a harsh winter, and you have much darker city nights."

Are we witnessing the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy? Is this another sign heralding the approaching redemption, especially now, at the conclusion of the seventh year? It is said in the Talmud, "At the end of the seventh year, the son of David will come." Of course, we cannot provide definitive answers or conclusions, as our sages stated, "May the spirits of those who calculate the end suffer." When exactly we will see redemption, and whether it is closer than we think, only the future will reveal.

Europe’s power switch is down. Watch the next report:

(Credit: Kan - Israel Public Broadcasting Corporation)

Rabbi Shmuel Alzam explains the Haftarah. Watch:

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