B"H
Friday, Tammuz 23, 5779 / July 26, 2019
At the end of Parshat Pinchas which we read this Shabbat in the Diaspora, G-d commands Moshe to tell the Jewish people about the various sacrifices in the Mishkan and Holy Temple. The daily sacrifices; the Shabbat sacrifices; the Rosh Chodesh sacrifices and the sacrifices for the holidays.
Q. Why are all these sacrifices mentioned in thisParsha?
A. Parshat Pinchas is usually read during the Three Weekswhen we mourn the destruction of the Holy Temples. The Three Weeks begin with the fast of the seventeenth of Tammuz and ends with the fast of Tisha B’Av. Reading about the various sacrifices at this time, gives us the hope and anticipation that very soon the Holy Temple will be rebuilt and we will once again participate in its services and sacrifices.
Q. Why were the Holy Temples destroyed?
A.Our sages tell us that the First Temple was destroyed due to the sin of Idol worship. The Jewish people were influenced by their neighbors, accepting many of their customs and ways, including idol worship. The Second Temple was destroyed due to “unjustified hatred” amongst the Jewish people.
Q. How do we correct these two sins?
A. During these Three Weeks we intensify in our Torah studies, our prayers and the observance of mitzvot, which bring us closer to G-d. We also excel in acts of kindness and charity, which brings us closer to each other.
Q. Why is it so important to remember these events which took place 2000 years ago?
A. The reason the Temple was destroyed and Jews were exiled from their homeland was a result of their sins at that time. We remember these unfortunate events at this time, in order to correct them which, G-d willing, will merit our redemption from exile with the coming of Moshiach.
I’m not sure where the origin of the following story is, but it’s a great story. Napoleon once passed a synagogue during the 9th of Av. As he looked inside he saw Jews sitting on the floor and weeping. “What are they weeping about?” he asked. He was told the Jews were mourning the destruction of their Holy Temple and the loss of their land.
“How long ago did this occur?” asked Napoleon. “Over 1,500 years ago,” he was told.
“In that case”, said Napoleon, “there is no doubt that their Temple will be rebuilt. A people capable of crying for so long over their destroyed Temple and Land will eventually find their way home.”
SHABBAT SHALOM
Candle lighting time: 8:11 / Shabbat ends: 9:22