Monday, Tammuz 19, 5779 / July 22, 2019
SHALOM. It is with great pleasure and thanks to Hashem that I am back at my Torah Fax desk, after a two week Chizuk absence.
Chizukmeans strengthening. I don’t like using the word “break” (two week break) as the word break sounds negative. We should always use positive language, when possible, instead of negative.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, of blessed memory, didn’t use the Hebrew word for hospital, Bet Cholim, which literally means, “House of the sick. He preferred to call it, “Bet Refuah” – House of healing.”
The “Three Weeks,” between the fast of the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, are days of mourning in which we remember the destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temples.
During these three weeks we intensify in our prayers for the coming of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple). We study about the Temple and Moshiach and we are more generous in giving charity and performing acts of kindness. This is in keeping with the words of the prophets that the redemption of the Jewish people from exile, through Moshiach, will come about in the merit of the mitzvah of Tzedakah-charity.
The following are some facts about the Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple):
* The Bet Hamikdash was built on the very same mountain where G-d tested Abraham’s loyalty by commanding him to bring his son Isaac as a sacrifice. We pray three times daily towards the place where the Temple stood, for it is the place where our prayers ascend to heaven.
* During the holidays of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, Jews came from all over Israel to the Bet Hamikdash, filling it to capacity. Although they were crammed together while standing, a miracle occurred when they had to bow during the prayer. Each person had ample room to bow and prostrate on the floor of the Temple!
* The Torah prohibits the use of metal tools to cut the stones of the Bet Hamikdash. When King Solomon built the Bet Hamikdash he used a special worm called Shamir to cut the rocks.
* Although sacrifices were being offered constantly on the altar, there was never a fly visible in the Temple where the meats were handled. Also, the meat of the sacrifices never became spoiled even on the hottest days.
* There was always a perfect vertical column of smoke from the altar which miraculously was not affected by the wind. Many more miracles occurred daily in the Bet Hamikdash. May we merit the rebuilding of the Holy Temple speedily in our days. Amen.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY