The Three Weeks: The Most Auspicious Time for Attaining Divinity

A letter from our teacher, the holy Gaon and Tzaddik, Rav Eliezer Berland shlit"a, regarding the matter of the Three Weeks.

Motzaei Shabbat Kodesh Pinchas, in the year 'Et Mashiach' = 770 = 5770 (2010).

The Three Weeks are more propitious than any other time of the year for attaining Divinity and for the revelation of Ruach HaKodesh (Divine Inspiration), for at this time, we connect with all the generations who practiced self-sacrifice for the sanctification of Hashem. This is especially true of the soul of Rabbi Akiva, whose flesh was combed with iron combs, along with all the Ten Martyrs, and all the millions and billions who were killed in Jerusalem during the destruction of the Holy Temple, in Beitar, in the Spanish Expulsion, and in all the exiles and pogroms.

These Three Weeks, which conclude on Tisha B'Av, are the secret of the 370,000 lights that were taken from Havah (Eve) and the 450,000 lights that were taken from Adam HaRishon [Sha'ar HaKavanot]. We merit to see their return during the Three Weeks, which correspond to the 'luz' bone, whose growth and final ripening occur on Tisha B'Av—the secret of the 370,000 lights—and the sweetening of the 450 severities, which are the secret of the root of the destruction.

Then, on Tisha B'Av, when we merit the secret of the resurrection of the dead (Likutey Moharan, Part II, Lesson 5), the Three Weeks conclude. This is the secret of the 'luz' bone, through which the resurrection of the dead will occur. Therefore, during these Three Weeks, one is obligated to truly mourn the destruction of Jerusalem and the loss of the tzaddikim of all generations, especially Rabbi Akiva, who offered his soul with complete willingness and recited Shema Yisrael until the words 'v'ahavta' (and you shall love).

It is forbidden to listen to any melody, even the slightest hint of a melody, whether alone, and certainly when with others; it is a complete prohibition to listen to song and music, and all the more so in public. Whoever mourns for Jerusalem will merit to see her joy, and whoever does not mourn will not see her joy, will not see the Geulah, and will not merit the resurrection of the dead.

This is the secret of 'Nachamu, Nachamu' (Comfort, comfort), which we merit immediately after Tisha B'Av in Parshat Va'etchanan. At that time, the secret of the two inverted 'nun's is revealed twice, for due to our sins, the two 'nun's were inverted twice. Instead of tikkun (rectification), we fell into 'tiku' (a state of being stuck), which is a lack of tikkun. Now, through the terrible weeping that we cry during the Three Weeks—even during the day, and especially at night during the hours of Tikkun Chatzot—anyone who merits to pour out rivers of water during Tikkun Chatzot and does not listen to any music during these Three Weeks, neither he nor his household, will certainly merit Ruach HaKodesh and the secret of the 'luz' bone, which is the secret of the resurrection of the dead, the secret of 'Migdal Eder' (Tower of the Flock) mentioned regarding the passing of Rachel.

For 'Eder' (flock) is the gematria of 'Rachel Leah,' as the footsteps of Leah will enter into the crown of Rachel; these are the feet of Binah (Understanding) that enter into the crown of Tevunah (Discernment)—the secret of the 'luz' bone and the resurrection of the dead.

In the merit of our holy and awesome Rebbe, and in the merit of the holy and pure Torah.

Your faithful servant.