Understanding the Parsha according to the Rebbe
QUESTION: The relationship of man and wife symbolizes the relationship between G-d and the Jews. Then, this relationship of an estranged wife and seclusion also alludes to the relationship between G-d and the Jews. When can a Jew be secluded from G-d?
ANSWER: One becomes secluded from G-d, when one’s pride separates. But one can always obtain G-d’s forgiveness by becoming one with Torah. Through bitul one becomes pure, able to resume his relationship with G-d, ending the seclusion. Indeed, one reaches a higher level than existed before the separation. (לקוטי שיחות כרך ד, עמ' 1032)
QUESTION: Why did the Jews spend 40 years specifically in the uninhabited desert (they could have spent the years of the decree in an inhabited area)?
ANSWER: The Jews spent 40 years in the desert (and not in the city) in order to turn the desert (a place without rules) into an inhabitable place. Such a place without rules is a place where the bad influences and tendencies “run wild”. Thus, no Jew can despair in their current circumstances, since the Jewish nation already lived in a place devoid of holiness, and yet made that place into holiness. Also, every Jew has the ability to turn their personal desert into a place of holiness (לקוטי שיחות כרך יג, עמ' 16 )
QUESTION: Why was the Nasi of Efraim allowed to bring his korban on Shabbos (individual could not bring a korban on Shabbos, only the congregation)?
ANSWER: One opinion is that the Korbanos of the Nasiim were a special exceptional ruling for that time that allowed the korban to be brought on Shabbos. Another opinion was that the korban of the Nasi (representing an entire tribe) was an offering of a congregation and therefore within the laws of Shabbos to be brought. Thus, the korban was not a violation of Shabbos but a fulfillment of its laws. Efraim was able to offer on Shabbos as a reward for the Shmiras Shabbos of Yosef (above the physical world); the reward was according to one’s method in fulfilling the laws. (לקוטי שיחות כרך כג, עמ' 42 )
QUESTION: What is the advantage of the Bircas HaCohanim over all the previous blessings (including those given to the Avos for the sake of the children)?
ANSWER: These blessings add to the earlier blessings that one should be blessed beyond the natural order, but within one’s current possessions. In addition these blessings will be revealed so that others to see the physical fulfillment of the blessings. Further, the Mitzvah of Bircas Cohanim applies to all times and places, indicating that the blessings apply to everyone in whatever spiritual state. (לקוטי שיחות כרך לג, עמ' 50)
QUESTION: Vidui, a part of the Teshuvah, is counted among the 613 Mitzvos. Why is Teshuvah itself not counted as one of the 613 Mitzvos?
ANSWER: 1) Teshuvah is not a mitzvah; or 2) It is a general mitzvah without an action; or 3) It is a specific mitzvah, but of the heart. Complete Teshuvah comes from the essence of the soul, and cannot be commanded; yet must be in a way to bring a person to action (לקוטי שיחות כרך לח, עמ' 18)
BEN CHAMESH L’MIKRA בס"ד
- הענינים מלקו"ש השבועי ועוד -
נשמת אפרים לע"נ ר' אפרים ב"ר אברהם ע"ה האפמאן
▪ Resource to encourage the study of the Rebbe’s sichos ▪
Designed for use in the classroom or at the Shabbos Table
