Parashat Devarim - “Words”

Parashat Devarim    -    “Words”

Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22; Isaiah 1:1-27; Acts 9:1-22

This portion is the third of three rebukes prior to Tish B’Av—the destruction of the temples.

This Shabbat we read the portion of Devarim. It is also known as Shabbat Chazon, because the Haftara (the prophetic portion) begins with the word Chazon (vision). On Tuesday 9 August, we observe the fast of Tisha B’av – the 9^th day of the Hebrew month of Av, when we commemorate the destruction of both the first and the second temples.

During the three weeks leading up to Tisha B’av, progressively increasing customs of mourning are observed. Weddings are not held, hair is not cut, and in the nine days preceding the destruction meat and wine are not consumed (amongst other restrictions). The exception to the rule is Shabbat. There are many explanations why. The simplest is that Shabbat is so important (it’s one of the Ten Commandments) that it outweighs the mourning for the Temple.

A deeper approach is offered in the teachings of Chassidut. The Prophet Zechariah teaches that the ninth of Av, together with the other fasts that are connected to the destruction of the Temple, will be transformed to rejoicing and great holidays. Seemingly, these fasts should be canceled in the future, not changed to celebration. Zechariah is teaching us that when Moshiach comes, we will realize that every step in the exile was a necessary preparationfor the redemption, much like the Egyptian exile was a necessary step in order to receive the Torah and the Land of Israel. Until Moshiach comes, we feel the destruction and therefore we fast and mourn. When we will receive the third Temple, we will see the ninth of Av as being a happy day, the beginning of a new and higher connection with Hashem.

The day of Shabbat is a taste of the times of Moshiach. The soul is on a higher plane, and perceives the deeper meaning of this period. Therefore, just as when Moshiach will come, these three weeks will be a time of rejoicing, we rejoice now on Shabbat during the three weeks.

This Shabbat, Shabbat Chazon, gives us an additional reason to rejoice. The word Chazon means vision. Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev taught that on Shabbat Chazon every soul sees the third Temple.  He explained by a parable:

Once a king made a beautiful garment for his son. The prince was not careful, and ruined it. The king waited and made a second garment, which the prince watched more carefully, but ruined the second one as well. The king made a far superior garment, but in order to assure that the prince deserved it and would treat it properly, he only showed it to him on special occasions. Each time that he saw it, his desire and appreciation grew stronger. When he finally received it, he deserved it and treated it properly.

The first Temple was a magnificent edifice, both physically and spiritually. Through our sins, it was destroyed. The second Temple lasted longer, but was also destroyed through strife.

The third Temple is waiting in Heaven, and every year on Shabbat Chazon we view it. This gives us the thirst and desire for the redemption. Although our eyes don’t see it, our souls feel it and this is a cause of rejoicing.

We have been assured that the coming of Moshiach is very near, and that any positive mitzvah may tip the scales. The Haftarah concludes that Zion will be redeemed through Torah study and the captives through acts of mercy or charity.

Let us determine to increase in study of Torah and giving of tz’dakah (charity) and G-d willing, this Shabbat we will not only see a vision of the Temple but the Temple itself.