QUESTION: How do we understand the concept that on the Shabbosim in the Three Weeks, we are not to be sad but to exhibit greater joy that all other regular Shabbosim?
ANSWER: These Shabbosim in the Three Weeks have a unique ability to transform the difficulties of Galus into joy and happiness. A particular allusion is found in halacha that on these Shabbosim it is permitted to engage in a large and happy meal like the meals that Shlomo haMelech enjoyed in his times. This level of joy and happiness experienced by Shlomo was reflective of the time of the final Geulah when all difficulties and “evil” will be transformed into goodness and light.
QUESTION: Why does Moshe change the instructions to Bnai Reuven and Bnai Gad in this Parsha from the instructions he provided in Parshas Mattos?
ANSWER: Since Moshe would not lead the conquest of Eretz Yisrael, the conquest was now to be in a natural manner; thus, he instructed Bnai Reuven & Gad to be not just officers, but frontline troops; they demonstrated mesiras nefesh with their unique style of attack which began with the arm and afterwards the head, attained in the merit of tefillin.
QUESTION: According to the Rebbe what is the main service in each of the three Bais HaMikdashim?
ANSWER: The service of the first Bais HaMikdash was drawing from Above to below (service of Tzadikim). The service of the second Bais HaMikdash was the refinement of below to Above (service of Baalei Teshuvah). The service of the third Bais HaMikdash is the combined revelation from Above and elevation from below.
QUESTION: Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi responded to a Baisosi (a non-believer in Oral Torah) that Moshe, the great lover of the Jews, gave the Jews the opportunity to reach a deeper level of refinement during the 40 years than could be reached than a quick trip to Israel. What is the great opportunity that Moshe, the great lover of the Jews offered?
ANSWER: Externally, the stay in the desert was a punishment for the Jews. However, on a deeper level Moshe did not desire that the Jews receive the Torah as a gift from Above. Rather, the inner purpose of the 40 years in the desert (Galus) was to enable the Jews to acquire the Torah through their service and effort. Thus, the tests in the desert enabled a strengthening of the connection between the Jews with HaShem. Accordingly, in our times, our transformation of the world will bring the Geulah.
QUESTION: How does the limited blessing of Moshe (1000 times) add to the unlimited blessing already offered by HaShem?
ANSWER: The Will of HaShem is to connect the limited world with the unlimited. Our main service of HaShem through Torah and Mitzvos involves the limitations of time and space. And the blessing of Moshe seeks to complete the limited creation so that the unlimited blessing of HaShem can function to provide the revelation of the unlimited in this world.
