During the (Three Weeks and) Nine Days, one should add in Torah study and giving Tzedakah, especially to support mini-sanctuaries, i.e., shuls and yeshivot.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe instituted that one should increase in learning about the Bait HaMikdash (Holy Temple) during this time. The Midrash equates learning about the Bait HaMikdash to building it. Thus, by learning about it, it is as if we are building it.
The Rebbe recommended that one learn:
- the relevant chapters of Yechezkel (Ezekiel 40 – 43) with commentaries,
- Tractate Middot (and parts of Tamid) with commentaries,
- and the Rambam (Hilchot Bait HaBechirah) with commentaries.
During this season, the Rebbe would often extrapolate on this theme.
The Rebbe encouraged that children should learn these subjects as well (in a manner that is appropriate for their age).
The Three Weeks are an opportune time to do Teshuvah. These 21 days correspond to gematriyah (numerical value) of the Divine name of Ekyeh (אה־יה). One who does Teshuvah in these days merits a blessing in his sustenance.
According to the Zohar, these 22 days (counting the fasts of the 17th of Tammuz and of Tisha Be’Av) correspond to the 22 years that Yosef was separated from Yaakov.
The three parshiyot (Torah portions) that are read publicly in these weeks are Matot, Masei and Devarim (Pinchas is usually read during the Three Weeks. But when Matot and Masei are read as separate portions, Pinchas is read before the Three Weeks.) These correspond to different kinds of contemplation that should lead one to Teshuvah, which we should be doing in these days, that are listed in the beginning of Pirkei Avot Chapter 3:
- (Roshei Ha)Matot – Tribal leaders correspond to the concept of Da MeAyin Bata – “Know from where you come.”
- Masei – Travels correspond to the concept of Le’An Attah Holech – “Know where you are going.”
- Devarim – Words correspond to the concept of Lifnei Mi Attah Atid Litein Din VeCheshbon – “the reckoning we will have to give G-d after 120 years.”
