“Should the building of My house be neglected ..”
Hashem said to Yechezkel: Tell the Jewish people to involve themselves in the measurements and plans of building the Beis Hamikdash.
And Yechezkel replied to Him: “Master of the universe, why are you telling me to tell the Jewish people the form of the Beis Hamikdash whilst they are in exile in the land of their enemies. Is there anything they can do? Let them be until they return from exile, then I will go and tell them!”
Hashem answered Yechezkel: “Should the building of My house be neglected because My children are in exile?”
Hashem declared: “The study of the Torah (about the Beis Hamikdash) can be compared to the actual construction. Go tell them to study the plans and form of the Beis Hamikdash, and as a reward for their study and their involvement in it, I will consider it as if they actually built the Beis Hamikdash.” Midrash Tanchuma Tzav, 14
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It is appropriate (and has also become the prevalent custom) to study in the days of the “Three Weeks” the laws of building the Beis Hamikdash, as Hashem told the prophet Yechezkel that by studying these laws it is considered as if we were involved in the actual construction of the Beis Hamikdash. (Likkutei Sichos v. 18 p. 420)
At present, the study of these laws, as well as the study of the subjects about Moshiach and Geulah, should not be perceived merely as a means to hasten the Geulah, but rather it is the beginning of “living with the times,” to live with the concept of Moshiach. When these topics will be perceived in our intellect, that will in turn affect our emotions, until it will ultimately affect our deeds and actions, so that we will live consistent to the present era, when we are at the threshold of the coming of Moshiach.
Practically speaking:
Despite the clamor and “storm” that has been made in the last few months, and despite the wonders that we have seen which indicate that it is “the year when King Moshiach will be revealed,” there remains, nevertheless, difficulty to permeate this idea internally, that people should realize and be aware that we are actually on the threshold of the Geulah, and they should begin to live with the concept of Moshiach and Geulah.
The solution to overcome this difficulty, is by studying the topics of Moshiach and Geulah. The power of Torah can change the thinking of a person, even when he feels strange to these concepts, through studying these matters, one can begin to live with the idea of the coming of Moshiach, and recognize that he is coming in the immediate future.
(Sefer HaSichos 5751 - Shabbos Parshas Balak 17 Tammuz)
