Sicha, 24 Tammuz & Shabbos Mevarchim Av 5736
A. Studying the Laws of the Holy Temple
In the Book of Ezekiel, there is an extended description of the vision of the Third Holy Temple, in great detail (Source 1). Ezekiel asks G-d what the purpose is in teaching the form of the Temple when the Jews are not able to build it in practice. G-d responds that by the very act of studying the details of the Temple it is considered as if one is actually engaged in its construction (Source 2).
The Rebbe emphasizes that this teaching from the Midrash was given at the beginning of the Babylonian exile—a time of terrible destruction. Yet, G-d says “and they shall do them,” meaning the study itself is considered real action. All the more so in our generation, in the footsteps of Mashiach, that engaging in learning about the Temple contributes in practice to hastening its construction.
B. Learning as an Expression of Freedom
By studying the topics related to the building of the Temple, we reveal and bring into reality the Torah’s concept of spiritual freedom. Even though we are in exile, we transcend it and live with a sense of the redemption that is already on its way. This is similar to what happened in the time of Mordechai: despite a harsh decree and the destruction of the Temple, Mordechai sat and learned the laws of the Omer offering with young children, as if they were not in exile at all.
C. So Even the Animalistic Soul Understands
Regarding the Midrash mentioned above, a question arises: how could it be that Ezekiel the prophet, a man of G-d, would ask what the point is in teaching the form of the Temple? The answer is that the question was posed in order to ensure that even the animalistic soul, which might wonder about this, receives a satisfactory answer.
This parallels the Torah’s wording regarding the Shemita year: “And if you shall say, what will we eat in the seventh year?” Here too, the Torah wants to ensure that even the animalistic soul—which might be disturbed by such a question—will receive a strong and reassuring answer: “I will command My blessing” (Source 4).
Some have wondered whether women are also obligated to study the subjects of the Temple. The answer is clearly yes. The mitzvah of building the Temple applies equally to men and women, just as with the building of the Mishkan, where women took an active role in the work.
D. Tractate Midot—Just a Story?
Another question arose: The Tosafot Yom Tov writes that Tractate Midot, which describes the form of the Temple, is in the category of “story” rather than legal study. Seemingly, this contradicts what we have learned so far—that studying the laws of the Temple is considered like building it in practice?
The explanation is that the commentator was not rejecting the halachic or practical value of studying this tractate. Rather, he was describing the style of its writing—as narrative. Nonetheless, it certainly contains many laws that are practically relevant. Similarly, in the Torah, the book of Vayikra (Leviticus) is written in a more directive, command-oriented style, while the other books are written more in more of a narrative form. But clearly, all of the Torah’s books contain mitzvot and laws relevant to daily life.
