Strengthening the Warriors2 min read

In this week’s parsha, the verse states: “Avadecha nas’u es rosh anshei hamilchamah asher b’yadeinu v’lo nifkad mimenu ish” – They said to Moshe, “Your servants have made a check of the warriors in our charge, and not one of us is missing.” Above all the most serious sins in the Torah, our Sages teach us that it was baseless hatred and disunity among our holy nation that caused the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. It follows, then, that the Three Weeks are a time to work on this particular area of avodas Hashem, seeing to it that we combat baseless hatred with baseless love by focusing on “Knesses Yisrael”, the Collective Soul we all share, instead of the external differences that divide us. One way to work on ahavas Yisrael is by taking an interest in the spiritual growth of our fellow Jews and lending a helping hand of encouragement when needed. Oftentimes, we are so chained by our own self-doubt and imagined limitations that we cannot imagine the extent of the impact our words might have on someone else’s life. Truthfully, regardless of who we are, a kind word, a pat on the back, or a genuine smile can go a long way in brightening someone’s day and giving hm or her the strength they need to keep on climbing. When we will all work on encouraging our fellow Jews in their fight against the elements that seek to prevent us from growing closer to our Father in heaven, we will have a far better chance of rising together, as a nation, to our lofty potential.

One of the great masters of the Chassidic tradition, Rebbe Velvel of Zabriz, saw this idea hinted to in the above verse from this week’s parsha. In this pasuk, the generals of the Jewish army report their inventory of the spoils of Midian to Moshe Rabbeinu.

Listen to the incredible way the tzaddik read these words: “Avadecha” – When those Jews who have seen success in their service of Hashem “nas’u es rosh” – elevate the spirits and lift the heads, with words of encouragement,  “anshei hamilchama asher b’yadeinu” – of the “men of war”, those among our holy nation who are battling with forces of darkness that hold them back from spiritual success, “v’lo nifkad mimenu ish” – then nobody is missing; that spirit of friendship, responsibility, and support will ensure that all of our brothers and sisters remain focused and committed to carrying out their mission in this world. Let’s use this Shabbos to reach out to our fellow Jews with love, setting the final bricks in the third Beis Hamikdash!