Understanding the Parsha according to the Rebbe
QUESTION: What does the connection between the first three verses of this Parsha: “you are to be holy”, “your father and mother you should fear”, and “keep the Shabbos”?
ANSWER: G-d commands us to be holy in our “mundane” permissible activities, by being connected with G-d. But just being holy ourselves is not adequate, we also have to promote this holiness to a new generation, which is done by “fearing” our parents. And we are able to complete this mission by keeping Shabbos, which enables us to appreciate distinctions and be holy in all our activities. לקוטי שיחות כרך א, עמ' 255
QUESTION: How is it possible that the fruit of the fifth year of a tree (chulin with no kedusha) should have a greater level than the fruit of the fourth year of the tree (that has kedusha and can only be eaten in Yerushalayim)?
ANSWER: The fruits of the fifth year embody a higher spiritual level than the fruit of the fourth year, since G-d desires the activities which are within this world. The verse refers to the fifth year with the word להוסיף, the extra letter ל indicates a greater significance. לקוטי שיחות כרך ז, עמ' 431
QUESTION: In the issur of Orlah (fruit of the first three years of a tree), the tree is permitted and the future fruit will be permitted. What is the cause of the issur of the fruit for the first years?
ANSWER: Initially the fruit is nourished from k’lipah of tumah and the fruit is inherently bound with non-holiness. After the first three years, the fruit are nourished from k’lipas nogah. This allows the fourth year to not only be tahor, but also Kodesh. לקוטי שיחות כרך כב, עמ' 103
QUESTION: Placing a “stumbling block” before another is understood to not give advice that is detrimental to the recipient. Why is Rashi concerned with the motivation of the giver of the advice?
ANSWER: If the recipient of the advice would not be harmed, one might think it is possible to offer advice that is beneficial to the giver of the advice. The Torah thus instructs us not to offer selfish advice not intended to the benefit of the recipient, even if not harming that person. How much more so, helping a fellow Jew to do good, should not involve self-interest. לקוטי שיחות כרך זכ, עמ' 141
QUESTION: What is the method of fulfilling the Mitzvah of Ahavas Yisrael?
ANSWER: The Baal Shem Tov uses the example of the simple Jew and their complete love to G-d. Their love is not subject to reason. The Magid presents the example of loving a Rasha just as one loves a Tzadik. And the Baal HaTanya uses the example of brothers that love each other just like themselves, not subject to limitations. In reality, all three are one concept for different times. The initial love of a fellow Jew flows from one’s love of G-d. One loves those that G-d loves. A deeper appreciation of the love of another Jew results from understanding that Jews share a common source of our souls. Finally, one’s love is not to a second person, but becomes love (of another) as one’s self. לקוטי שיחות כרך ב, עמ' 992
