1. The Rambam’s Statement on the Ten Parah Adumas
In today’s portion, we encounter the topic of the parah aduma—the red heifer. The Rambam uses an unusual expression regarding this mitzvah: he states that there will be ten parah adumas in total. Nine have already been made, and the tenth will be prepared by the Melech HaMashiach—the King Messiah. This is found in the Rambam’s Hilchos Melachim, where he outlines future events connected to the coming of Mashiach and the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash.2. The Rambam’s Unique Approach to Halakha
A striking feature of the Rambam’s work is his inclusion of laws that are not currently applicable. While most poskim—halakhic authorities—such as those who authored the Shulchan Aruch, focus only on halakhas relevant to our time, the Rambam records all halakhas, whether they apply now or only in the era of the Beis HaMikdash. This comprehensive approach explains why he discusses future events like the tenth parah aduma and its connection to Mashiach.3. The Rambam’s Surprising Insertion of Prayer
Despite his usual legalistic style, in this context, the Rambam concludes with a personal prayer: “Yehi ratzon she’yibane Beis HaMikdash bimhera v’yameinu—May it be Your will that the Beis HaMikdash be rebuilt speedily in our days.” This is highly unusual for a sefer of halakha, which typically avoids personal prayers or medrashic language. The question arises: why does the Rambam insert a prayer here?4. The Halakhic Lesson Behind Anticipating Mashiach
The Rebbe explains that this insertion is not merely a personal wish but itself teaches a halakha. The act of praying for Mashiach is part of our obligation. It is not enough to believe intellectually in Mashiach’s coming—as we declare in An’imamin—but one must also yearn for it emotionally and pray for it as something truly lacking from our lives. Just as we pray for health, livelihood, or peace at home when we feel their absence, so too must we pray for Mashiach because his coming is something we are missing.5. Constant Yearning Versus Occasional Requests
Often, people only pray for what they acutely lack at a given moment. If one has no pressing needs in an area, one might not think to pray about it. However, regarding Mashiach, the Rambam places this prayer specifically here to teach us that yearning for redemption should be constant—not limited to times of crisis or difficulty but felt at all times as an ongoing lack.6. Gimel Tammuz and Contemporary Yearning for Geulah
This message resonates especially during certain times of year, such as now around Gimel Tammuz—the Rebbe’s yahrzeit and a period marked by both hope and disappointment due to unfulfilled expectations for redemption. Observing current events in Eretz Yisroel and worldwide can intensify this sense of lacking and longing for Mashiach.7. Lessons from Previous Generations: The Frierdiker Rebbe’s Mesirus Nefesh
The days between Gimel and Yud-Beis Tammuz are significant in Chabad history as they mark milestones in the Frierdiker Rebbe’s liberation from Soviet imprisonment and exile—a process that began on Rosh Chodesh Tammuz but was delayed because he refused to travel on Shabbos despite being granted release. This act demonstrated absolute mesirus nefesh—self-sacrifice—and an unwavering commitment to Torah values even under threat.8. Enduring Hope and Anticipation for Redemption
The Rebbe emphasizes that our yearning for Mashiach should be ever-present, not just during difficult times but always felt as a true lack in our lives. He cites prayers such as “Tzemach David Avdecha Meheira Satzmiach… Ki Lishu’oscha Kivinu Kol Hayom—for Your salvation we hope all day,” highlighting that persistent hope and prayer themselves hasten redemption. Especially during auspicious times like these, when challenges seem overwhelming yet historical precedents inspire hope, we must continue to cry out “Ad Mosai”—how much longer? With this attitude, may we merit to see true and complete geulah with Tchiyas HaMeisim—the resurrection of the dead—and all righteous leaders restored among us speedily in our days.