In this Maamor the Rebbe quotes the Alter Rebbe who states in Likkutei Torah that the Possuk in the beginning of the Parsha כִּי־תֵצֵא לַמִּלְחָמָה עַל־אֹיְבֶיך “If you go to war upon your enemies” refers to the battle of prayer to overcome one’s worldly desires and dedicate one’s passion to HaShem thus returning the direction of the animal soul back to the animal faces on the supernal chariot of holiness.
Rashi writes that this Possuk refers to a non-obligatory war because the Possuk talks about taking captives which would not be allowed in an obligated battle.
In this Maamor the Rebbe asks how can we align the explanation of the Alter Rebbe that it refers to a battle of prayer which is obligatory with Rashi who says it is an optional battle?
The Rebbe explains that it is optional because one can subdue and refine his animal soul through Torah study so it is optional whether one will subdue the evil inclination by battle or through Torah.
In the last Ois the Rebbe compares this Avodah to the month of Elul which also has a focus both on prayer and on Torah study. And through this please G-d we will bring Moshiach.
