Transformation in the Three Weeks

Three concepts in Yermiyahu’s seeing an almond branch:

• 21-days growth of the almond tree corresponds to the brief period of 3 weeks
• Sweet almonds start out bitter, then become sweet;
• מטה indicates strength to carry through our task (includes idea of speed)

Three matters in the Parsha share this concept of transformation:

• נדרים Release of vows
• מלחמת מדין Details of booty from Midyan
• בני גד ובני ראובן Offered to lead the war again Canaan

These Parshas always read during the Three Weeks, a time of transformation

בין המצרים לגב