Understanding the Parsha according to the Rebbe ממ"ש
QUESTION: Why does HaShem not mention Yerushalayim specifically as the place of the Bais HaMikdash, rather than saying “the place which will be selected”?
ANSWER: By not mentioning a specific place, HaShem allows that other places can achieve a status as a holy site (until Yerushalayim was selected), where sacrifices were made. This hints to G-d’s choosing to make holy, any place in which a Jew makes a personal offering in avodah, even outside of the land of Israel.
)617לקוטי שיחות כרך ב, עמ' (
QUESTION: Why is non-sacred meat allowed only upon entering Eretz Yisrael (according to Rabbi Yishmael, not allowed any non-sacred meat in the desert, or according to Rabbi Akiva, only allowed properly slaughtered meat upon entrance to Eretz Yisrael)?
ANSWER: The change regarding eating ordinary meat upon entry into Eretz Yisrael (which was not done in the desert) is not a descent for the Jews, but implies an ascent, that the Jews can now reach the highest levels. Their mission of refinement of the material world enables the Jews to reach even higher peaks than they experienced in the desert. )1108לקוטי שיחות כרך ד, עמ' (
QUESTION: The verse (12,3) says that one should destroy the name of Avodah Zarah. What is accomplished more than simply destroying the idols?
ANSWER: By disgracing even their names, we remove the connection to the items to their prior status of the Avodah Zarah. Therefore, just like was done with Bilam, this Parsha conveys the concept that HaShem completely turned curses into blessings. )94(לקוטי שיחות כרך ט, עמ'
QUESTION: Rambam seems to offer contrary observations about the Bais HaMikdash. Is the place designated due to the altars previously built by Avrohom, Noach and others? Or, is this place designated due to its selection from HaShem?
ANSWER: The designation develops from both reasons, each has its advantage:
HaShem’s Selection
Unlimited due to source of selection
בוחר
בית הבחירה
Adam HaRishon and the Avos offered at this place
Limited to a place or object but connected to one’s efforts
קודש
כלי הקודש
)140(לקוטי שיחות כרך יט, עמ'
QUESTION: The exchange of the second tithe for money (to take to Yerushalayim and buy produce) is an independent precept in its own right, and, the exchanged money is treated as more stringent (cannot be exchanged) than the second tithe itself. What do we learn from this law?
ANSWER: G-d confers holiness on the second tithe; but when we enact the exchange, we fulfill G-d’s purpose, that holiness is done via our efforts in this world. )75(לקוטי שיחות כרך לד, עמ'
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
