Q . Why is the giving of the Torah and Aseres Hadibros read on the Shabbos after Tisha Beav, is there any connection between them?
A. The Talmud (Shabbos 114a, Brachos 64a)) writes that Talmidei Chachamim are named “banaim” or builders, because they build the world through their Torah, mitzvos, and maasim tovim. Rashi and Tosafos (Suka 41a) quote Medresh Tanchuma that the third Beis Hamikdash is made from fire and will come down from heaven already built and complete.
However, the Alshich (quoted in Arvei Nachal – Netzovim) explains that they are called builders because through their Torah, mitzvos, and maasim tovim, they constantly build that Beis Hamikdosh. While others with their wrong acts and sins, persistently destroy it. The Satmar Rebbe used to paraphrase the above idea on the tefilah, “Uvnei Yerushalaim Bimhera Beyameinu,” as we are asking from Hashem to rebuild Yerushalayim promptly with our days and with our acts. It seems that there is a tremendous difference, between the two interpretations. Since according to the Alshich, we are already rebuilding now, with our Torah and mitzvois, the land, Yerushalayim and the Beis Hamikdosh. However, it is likely that Rashi and Tosafos, also agree that tzadikim with their Torah, mitzvos, and maasim tovim build even that Beis Hamikdash made from fire, that will eventually be completed and delivered.
We therefore have now an incredible understanding how powerful our Torah learning and mitzvos can be. They are not solitary, separated, and unconnected acts that we perform. Not at all! They are part and parcel of a magnificently structured monument. And most outstanding, they are nothing less than part and parcel of that Beis Hamikdosh built of fire, that when eventually it comes to completion, with Hshem’s help, will descend and stand for eternity in the center of our land and our world.
However, two main points we must constantly keep in mind. Firstly, as incredibly powerful and formidable our building contributions can be, so can our misdeeds and transgressions become. They are nothing less than the destroyers and demolishers of that Beis Hamikdosh of fire. No wonder that the Geula is schlepping so long, the fires keep on being extinguished by our wrongs.
And then we must always also remember, that when the final Geula comes and that greatest of all monuments, built by the acts of so many of us, through so many generations, finally stands in its prominent glory, we will all come to see it and admire it. And yes of course, we will all search for our contribution. Let’s always keep in mind that our partaking should be an eternal source of pride, and not the cause of perpetual embarrassment.
The Ramban in his introduction to Shemos explains that the building of the Mishkan was a continuation of the giving of the Torah at Har Sinai, since the most astonishing and greatest of all Kedushos did not remain on the mountain, it was transferred to the Mishkan. From there this kedusha eventually entered Eretz Yisroel and rested on the Bais Hamikdosh until its terrible destruction. Then it departed and ascended back to shomayim.
Parshas Vaeschanan, is read after Tisha Beav. But we know that this day, which is also called a Moed or a Yom Tov, marks the constant beginning of the reconstruction and Nechama, consolation and relief. How proper it is that we read then again the giving of the Torah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld