Holidays:

Shiva Asar b'Tamuz 

Description

Why did Bilam require seven altars and seven of each animal? From Yeshayahu: the marriage between Hashem and the Jewish people. 17 Tammuz was supposed to be the wedding day, and the first luchos (tablets) our ksubah (marriage contract)! The guardians on the walls of Yerushalayim. An upper and a lower Yerushalayim. The relationship we want: husband/wife rather than parent/child. Intimate with the Sh'chinah (divine presence). So disconnected from the Sefer Torah that we are able to talk when it is open for leining. When the statue was placed in the Beis Hamikdash, and when we place a statue into our souls. Unfaithful to Hashem because we have immersed ourselves in secular pursuits. With all our sins, Hashem still prefers our lowly offerings to Bilam's feasts. Building the walls of Yerushalayim through increased study of Torah. The story of the girl in the well - keeping the faith.