The unique dimension of the present day is that it represents the full shining of the moon in the month of Tammuz. This implies that all the dimensions of that month, and in particular, the quality of redemption, as reflected in the commemoration of Yud-Beis and Yud-Gimmel Tammuz.
In particular, this quality is expressed at the conclusion of the day when all the different influences associated with the day have been revealed.[62] Even the beginning of the 16th of the month is associated with this quality as reflected in the law that the fats and limbs of the offerings which could not be offered during the day were offered on the following night.
The above concepts are enhanced by the positive dimensions of the 15th of Tammuz this year. Among them: Today is a Tuesday, a day associated with the repetition of the phrase "And G-d saw that it was good." This implies that all the concepts associated with redemption are expressed with twofold power.
The above is enhanced by the influence of the weekly Torah reading, Parshas Pinchas, which mentions the census of the Jewish people. As mentioned yesterday, the census indicates the dearness of the Jewish people to G-d. Similarly, Parshas Pinchas also mentions the sacrifices brought by the Jewish people every day and on festivals. The sacrifices reflect the closeness the Jewish people share with G-d. For the Hebrew for sacrifice, korban, is related to the Hebrew word kerov meaning "close."[63] Indeed, the positive dimensions connected with this parshah are expressed by its second verse, "Behold I am granting him My covenant of peace."
And this parshah contains a direct connection to the redemption, for our Sages identified Pinchas with Eliyahu, who will herald the Redemption. Similarly, the name Pinchas is numerically equivalent to the name Yitzchak and Yitzchak is the Patriarch most closely associated with the Redemption.[64]
On this occasion, it is worthy to mention the directive to hold three successive farbrengens between Shabbos and the present day. In this context, it can be noted that there is an allusion to a chassidic farbrengen in the Torah itself. After Yaakov's confrontation with Lavan, he invited his sons and the others present to a meal. Needless to say, when Yaakov sat together with over a minyan of his sons, they discussed words of Torah in a spirit of oneness. And this is the essence of a chassidic farbrengen. From Yaakov,[65] the potential to hold such gatherings was drawn down to his descendants. For "the deeds of the patriarchs are a sign to the children."
In the coming days, there also should be an increase in the study of the teachings of the Previous Rebbe. And may his redemption of Yud-Beis Tammuz have the effect of transforming the 17th of Tammuz into a day of celebration.
[66]
In this context, it is worthy to mention the importance of focusing our attention on the Beis HaMikdash in the coming Three Weeks. This involves studying the construction of the Beis HaMikdash as described in the prophecies of Yechezkel, the tractates of Middos and Tamid, and in Hilchos Beis HaBechirah of the Rambam.
Similarly, attention should be paid to the study of the Beis HaMikdash within the context of chassidic thought, for example, studying the maamarim of the Tzemach Tzedek on the prophecies of Yechezkel. And similarly, efforts should be made to transform our homes into sanctuaries in microcosm, buildings which even gentiles who pass by can see serve as dwellings for G-d's presence.
These activities will hasten the coming of the time when we will be able to actually build the Beis HaMikdash in Jerusalem. May this take place in the immediate future.
Notes:
- (Back to text) In Tanya, it is explained that each hour of the day reflects a different Divine quality, as reflected in the changing of the forms of G-d's Name every hour of the day.
- (Back to text) The maamar in Likkutei Torah where this concept is explained also teaches that the sacrifice offered to G-d must come from the person's self, i.e., a person must bring himself close to G-d.
- (Back to text) Herein, we also see a connection to the service of tzedakah, for the Torah describes Yitzchak as measuring his harvest, and our Sages explain that this measure was made so that he could give his tithes.
- (Back to text) Whose soul included all the souls of the Jews to be born in subsequent generations.
- (Back to text) The potential to do so is indicated by the fact that üàê, Hebrew for "good," is numerically equivalent to 17.
Eve Of The 15th Day Of Tammuz, 5749