The land of Israel (like the Jews) possesses two special qualities (Rambam):
- Holiness – applies only to Eretz Yisrael
נשמה connected by Mitzvos (limited) - Chosen by HaShem (prohibition to leave can also apply to Bavel or other lands)
גוף connected by essence wherever one is found
וישבתם בה לג, לג סיום מס' כתובות יח ב
Studying the laws of Bais HaMikdash are needed during the 3 weeks. Through learning the laws of the Bais HaMikdash we are fulfilling a mitzvah and building the future Bais HaMikdash.
באחד לחודש לג, לח יח ג
Journeys (not encampments) are not just from a location, but from a prior level of limitation; at any level, even a holy level, one needs to strive to go to a higher level; continue movement leads to the eventual leaving of all the boundaries of the exile in order to go to the ultimate Redemption.
אלה מסעי לג, א כגא
Life of Aharon “lover of the Jews” expresses the unity that the Jews seek in Hallel. Rambam in Halacha, brings the 123 years of Aharon’s life as a sign for the optimal custom to say 123 חללוי' responsively in Hallel.
ואהרן לג, לט כגב
The room made of wood that the Cohen Gadol lives in for the seven days prior to Yom HaKippur, has two names:
לשכת העץ – Service of Teshuvah (second Bais HaMikdash)
לשכת פרהדרין – Service of Tzadikim (first Bais HaMikdash)
עד מות כה"ג לה, כה כח
The Nasi of the generation is concerned about the needs of every individual; importance of spreading Torah to all Jews. Head of the Tribe (Nasi) functions as the leader to inherit the land for the sake of the tribe. The Nasi, also, functions as the divinely appointed leader, represents each individual to obtain the proper selection for each person.
*אשר ינחלו לכם לד, יז לגא
Love of a fellow Jew completes every person. The accidental killer stays in the City of Refuge until the death of the Cohen Gadol:
1) not proper to be near the Cohen Gadol, who brings Divine Presence into the world
2) atonement is not complete until the death of the Cohen Gadol
*עד מות כה"ג לה, כה לגב
Like בין המצרים restrictions allow access to the wider areas beyond (מרחב י"ה). Rashi changes to the word מצר to emphasize the actual boundaries to show the distinction between Eretz Yisrael to the lands outside.
*הגבול לד, ד לחא
The words of Torah protect like a City of Refuge; can not make compromises even to “save a life”. The Torah permits the accidental murderer life only within the City of Refuge, and can not leave even to save a life.
וישב בה לה, כה לחב
