Parsha:

Chukat 

Description

Based on a gilyon (essay) from Parshas Chukas by Rav Mottel Zilber. Given before and after Minchah on 9 B'Av. The place of the Beis HaMikdash - how did Dovid HaMelech know where it was? Dovid HaMelech's heart led him to desire building the Beis HaMikdash even though all the preconditions had not yet been fulfilled. After the churban many felt that there was no more reason to keep mitzvos. Understanding what we're missing. Taharah (purity) is the very premise to avodas Hashem in the Beis HaMikdash - tumah (impurity) is a serious impediment. No more nevi'im (prophets), or their yeshivos, which could prepare somebody to be worthy of receiving prophecy. Before the churban, Torah came through the Sandhedrin, a most exalted institution, transmitting d'var Hashem. What does it mean when we talk about a Jewish king? Actually encountering Hashem on the three pilgrimage festivals. Imagine what it was like when the Kohen Gadol left the Beis HaMikdash after Yom Kippur, or when the navi Yeshayahu was teaching, or the shofar being blown on Rosh Hashanah. There are those, who are drawn by their hearts, rather than their intellect to Yiddishkeit, Eretz Yisrael and Yerushalayim