1. Mourning the Loss of Three Yeshiva Students
As we approach the holy day of Gimel Tammuz—the third of Tammuz—Klal Yisrael is reeling from a terrible tragedy: the brutal murder of three young yeshiva students. These were young people dedicated to Torah study, who left their yeshiva and were senselessly killed by inhumane individuals. The entire Jewish people are united in shock, mourning, and profound sadness over this loss.2. Connecting to the Asara Harugei Malchus
The Talmud recounts the story of the Asara Harugei Malchus—the ten great sages murdered by the Romans. This episode is referenced during the Avodah service on Yom Kippur. The angels protested to Hashem, asking, “Zos Torah v’zos sechara?”—“Is this the Torah and this its reward?” How could such righteous individuals suffer such a fate? This question echoes through generations whenever tragedy strikes those devoted to Torah. When bringing a korban—sacrifice—it must be unblemished, often chosen from among the best and purest. Sometimes Hashem selects His “korbanos” from among the most exceptional souls for reasons known only to Him. The Gemara explains that these ten martyrs were a rectification for the sale of Yosef by his brothers, with these sages serving as a spiritual atonement for that ancient sin.3. The Symbolism of Three: A Beis Din of Kedusha
There is an expression in the Gemara that had those original brothers lived in later generations, they would have been judged by these great rabbis, who themselves would have sat on a beis din—a rabbinic court. To form a beis din, three are required. In this tragedy, we see three young scholars taken together, forming a symbolic beis din. Perhaps, in Hashem’s hidden plan, they served as a kind of korban on behalf of Klal Yisrael. The number three here carries deep spiritual significance.4. Lessons from Parshas Balak: Bilam’s Motives and Limits
Connecting to this week’s parsha, Balak, we see how Hashem interacts with Bilam, who was invited by enemies of Israel to curse the Jewish people. Rashi notes that their intent was to discover how Israel succeeded supernaturally in battle—through prayer and spiritual merit—and so they sought Bilam whose power was also in his speech. When Bilam tells Hashem about being summoned to curse Israel, Hashem responds: “Im likro lecha ba’u ha’anashim—if these people came to call you...” Why does Hashem use “if”? Rashi explains that the emphasis is on “lecha”—if your motivation is personal gain or profit from cursing others, then go with them. Even so, Hashem only permits such actions when there is some benefit involved for those seeking harm.5. Condemnation of Senseless Violence and Its Modern Parallels
The senseless murder of innocent children is beyond even what Bilam was permitted to do. These terrorists act without any moral restraint or value for life—as Prime Minister Netanyahu said, they behave like animals rather than human beings. They make no distinction between young or old and act with utter savagery. Unfortunately, Israel must contend daily with such neighbors who do not share Western values or respect for life. While some in Europe are beginning to experience similar challenges due to immigration patterns, Israelis live alongside these threats constantly. Calls from Western advisors for gentleness or restraint often fail to grasp this reality.6. Unity Amid Tragedy and Prayers for Healing
Despite our grief and devastation—especially for the parents who have suffered unimaginable loss—a silver lining emerges: Klal Yisrael has come together as one family in mourning and solidarity. Whether Haredi, Dati Leumi, or secular, all Jews are united in pain and prayer at this time. We beseech Hashem to heal broken hearts and ensure that such tragedies never recur (lo yisasef pamayim tzarah). May whatever needed atonement has already been achieved so that only good will follow from now on.7. Hope for Justice and Redemption
We pray that justice will be served swiftly against those responsible so as to deter future acts of terror. There is hope that these pure souls will be greeted by the Rebbe and all tzaddikim upon their arrival in Olam HaEmes (the World of Truth). Although they were killed several weeks ago according to current information, their burial will likely take place on Gimel Tammuz after necessary forensic procedures. May Hashem comfort their families and all Klal Yisrael among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem (HaMakom yenachem eschem b’soch sha’ar aveilei Tzion v’Yerushalayim). We pray fervently for complete consolation (nechama shleima) and for the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days so that we may soon announce publicly that redemption has arrived and healing can begin for us all.