1. Mazel Tov and Connecting to the Parasha
This week, I want to begin by extending a hearty Mazel Tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Naftali Minkowitz. Hanim Minkowitz had a baby boy this morning. To connect this simcha with the parasha, today’s discussion centers on the powerful effects and impact of ketores—the incense offering in the Beis HaMikdash.2. The Power of Ketores in Stopping the Plague
Ketores actually means a knot or binding, and it refers to the incense brought in the Beis HaMikdash, which has a unique ability to tie or bind in a very powerful way. The Torah describes that when a plague broke out among Bnei Yisroel, Aharon took ketores from the mezbeach—the altar—and placed it among the people, which stopped the plague. Rashi brings down from Chazal that Aharon confronted the malach ha-moves—the angel of death—and told him to stop. The malach asked why he was being stopped, since he was carrying out Hashem’s command, while Aharon was acting on Moshe Rabbeinu’s instruction. Aharon responded that anything Moshe Rabbeinu says is from Hashem Himself.3. The Source of Ketores’ Power According to Rashi
Rashi explains that there was not a specific command at that moment from Hashem to Moshe Rabbeinu regarding using ketores. Instead, Rashi cites the Gemara that Hashem had already revealed to Moshe Rabbeinu on Har Sinai the secret power of ketores. This knowledge was given over earlier and is considered as if Hashem had told Moshe directly at this time as well. The power of ketores, therefore, comes from its deep spiritual significance and its ability to bind and connect.4. Ketores as Binding and Its Connection to Akedah
The word ketores also means tying or binding oneself up—bechat ketira yiskatan, as we say regarding Rashbi (Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai), and all matters of ketores. This idea of binding is also connected to the Akedah of Yitzchak, where Avraham tied up his son Yitzchak as an offering. We don’t just refer to it as “offering Yitzchak,” but specifically as “binding Yitzchak,” because he became like a karban—a sacrifice—and even more so, like ketores, completely bound and elevated towards Hashem.5. Bris Milah and Its Spiritual Significance
When a baby boy is born and there is a bris milah, it reminds us of the Akedah of Yitzchak. During the bris, when a father brings his son into the covenant of Avraham Avinu, we recite a special prayer: “Yehi ratzon lefonecha ki lekrafti—May it be Your will that I have offered.” This prayer connects the act of bris milah with both sacrifice and binding oneself spiritually to Hashem, echoing themes found in both ketores and Akedah.6. Ketores as Connection: Relevance for Our Times
Perhaps we can say b’derech remez—by way of hint—that especially now as we approach Rosh Chodesh Tammuz and Gimel Tammuz, this concept of ketores, this connection (yiskashrus) is crucial. Even if we have shortcomings or make mistakes deserving punishment or hardship, it is our connection—our tying ourselves through yiskashrus—to our Rebbe and his teachings that protects us.7. The Importance of Remaining Connected to the Rebbe
Remaining bound (Keturis) means striving to follow the Rebbe’s instructions: learning his shiurim, keeping his minhagim (customs), doing mivtzoim (outreach campaigns), and always trying our best. This connection is what protects us from even the worst decrees or hardships (Maggifa, plagues). Especially around Gimel Tammuz—when some might feel their connection weakening—it becomes even more important to strengthen our bond with the Rebbe.8. Hope for Redemption Through Connection
We see in this week’s parasha that Keturis, this act of binding ourselves spiritually, is what will help us through these final days of Galus (exile). If we remain connected to our Rebbe, no plague or hardship will befall us, and we will merit seeing Mashiach Tzidkeinu—our righteous redeemer—together with our Rebbe speedily in our days, even by this coming Gimel Tammuz. May it be so!