As this week is Shabbos Rosh Chodesh, it is noteworthy to mention a topic which Reb Tzodok HaKohein of Lublin ZY”A expounds on. The question one may comprehend is if Shabbos is greater than Rosh Chodesh, why is it that the Mussaf of Shabbos Rosh Chodesh is based mainly on Rosh Chodesh? The answer is, since Shabbos is the “Baal Habayis - the host” it is “Machness Orech - invites” the guest, which is Rosh Chodesh. Therefore, the Mussaf is one that is based on Rosh Chodesh, with Shabbos included. Rosh Chodesh Av has a unique significance. Even though it is during the days of Aveilus (mourning) of the “Three weeks” and the “Nine days”, it is the Yohrtzeit of Aharon HaKohein, who was “Oheiv Sholom ViRodeph Sholom (loved peace and pursued peace). This teaches us, that in whatever situation we may be, we can nevertheless attain the appropriate status that we are supposed to be in.
Rosh Chodesh Av is also the Yohrtzeit of Rav Shlomo of Bobov ZY”A, he too was a “Oheiv Sholom ViRodeph Sholom”. It was late one night, when suddenly, the Bobover Rebbe hears a smash on one of his windows. The Rebbe immediately called a local glazer, “Hello this is Shlomo Halberstam, please come to my house now to fix a window”. “Bobover Rebbe, can this wait until the morning, what is the emergency”? “Please come now” after fixing the window, the Rebbe explained to the glazer that a quarrel had been brewing in the community and instigators had been trying to get the Rebbe involved. By shattering his window, it would spark a conflict. Therefore, the Rebbe did his utmost to have the window repaired immediately, as to avoid this false attempt to involve himself or his community in this strife.
From here we must learn that one must go out of his way to avoid Machlokes. He will then be crowned as an “Oheiv Sholom ViRodeph Sholom”. This will surely be a Zechus (merit) that we be Zoche to the third Beis HaMikdosh speedily, in our days. Omein, Kein Yihi Rotzon
