Inspirational Thoughts on the Parsha

What is Emunah? Why is it that in its honor that the Jews were released from Mitzraim? Other nations in the world also acknowledged a God - but with a difference. For them their first reality, is the existence of a world, which then logically assumes a creator that created the world. Their God is a limited one and therefore they always try to explain everything according to nature, unless they’re forced to believe in God when a big miracle occurs. Jews are naturally believers, and therefore they believe in G-d first, and then they become aware of the world. Their belief in G-d is not limited to the world, and therefore has no limitations. This unlimited Emunah is what freed them from all limitations, both spiritual and physical. לקו״ש א

The laws of a Metzora are split into two. First we need a wise man who is proficient with all the laws, to decide if this person is impure. Second, we must have a Cohen to actually proclaim him impure. Although he might not know the laws, but because the Cohen is recognized as someone who blesses the Jewish people with love, and is known as a person of kindness, we are assured that he will be certain before he makes his proclamation. He will certainly question and requisition the wise man to make sure that the person is impure, because he truly feels and understands the consequences. He understands that if the person actually becomes a Metzora that he will be sent out of the community.
לקו״ש כז

Moshe Rabbeinu represents truth, which is constant and unwavering -no matter the circumstance. Aharon Hakohen represents kindness, which represents receiving everybody on their level. Everyone is different, and that’s why Moshe Rabbeinu wanted Aharon Hakohen to eat from all the Karbanos on the day of the inauguration of the Mishkan, even though he was in mourning. In a deeper sense, Aaron Hakohen explains to Moshe that as powerful as truth is, the essential purpose of truth is not in the abstract, but since all people cannot be equally holy, each person should connect to it on their own level.
לקו״ש י״ז

The word mitzvah comes from the word “Tzav” to command. In addition, it also comes from the word “Tzavsa Vecheebor”, which is defined as connection because it is through the commandments -to fulfill mitzvos- that we achieve a relationship and a connection with Hashem. This is emphasized by the very fact that He commands us even before we actually act upon His command. This applies to every single Jew. Although one might sin, it says that despite anything that may occur, you are still a Jew -and every Jew wants to do what Hashem commands. Occasionally one may gets distracted and that’s why the language that we use is Tzav which means urgency/ with certainty, because Hashem is certain that we are going to do the Mitzvos.

לקו״ש ז

Why is it that that when families would donate wood for the Mizbayach it was an even greater celebration than the one for the Karbon itself? The concept of bringing a Karbon is sacrificing oneself and subjugating oneself to Hashem. However, the actual Karbon represents the specific area that you are attempting to improve, thus the laws vary according to each Karbon. However, there is no guarantee that you will change completely. Hence, to prepare for that change, we burn the wood prior to sacrificing all the Karbonas, representing one’s complete subjugation to Hashem.
לקו״ש ככ

We finish the book of Shmos with the words “in all their journeys“. Interestingly, ‘journeys’ actually refers to their encampments. The explanation is because it is specifically from the encampment that one could move on to one’s journey. So too in life, there are stages that seem like an encampment, we are not moving anywhere. Then there are stages in our life when we are moving and growing. However, we realize that it is specifically those times when we seem stuck, when we are struggling, which is what help us to journey on and to grow from level to level.
לקו״ש ו

The Neshama is like a fire. Just as a fire burns towards the heavens, wanting to be consumed within its source, similarly does the Neshama want to be consumed within its source. However, the avodah/work of lighting the fire of your Neshama is ultimately not about expiring, but about redirecting that energy back into this physical mundane world. So too, in the Bais Hamikdash, when they lit a fire to burn wood, it wasn’t about the three elements that went up in smoke, but rather about the fourth element that stayed and turned into ash- because ultimately it’s about bringing spirituality into the physical world.
לקו״ש לו

Being that we are all believers in Hashem- that he created the world and everything in it, and that he recreates constantly and gives us everything we have at every moment- how is it possible for a Jew to sin and rebel against Hashem? The answer is that we forget. Therefore, although Hashem forgives us every time we turn to Him, we must be proactive and put constant reminders in our life to remind us of our relationship with Hashem through strengthening our Torah and mitzvahs.
לקו״ש כ״א

The menorah in the Bais Hamikdash wasn’t about bringing in light, but rather about sharing the light of Kedusha-the Schena (Divine presence) to the rest of the world. Therefore, the window structure of the windows in the Bais Hamikdash were narrow from the interior and widened outward, indicative of this idea. Similarly, one of the molded designs on the menorah were cups, as opposed to a barrel, which is about retention. A cup signifies giving to another, pouring out, giving someone a drink to qunche his thirst. This message is perfectly in line with the entire theme of the Bais Hamikdash, especially the menorah.
לקו״ש כ״א

The two Parshas of Yisro and Mishpotim represent the two parts of our service to Hashem. First is the idea of Yisro , which connects to Matan Torah, where the Jews experienced an overwhelming and powerful revelation of Hashem. This event represents the idea of Emunah, which although powerful, could remain disconnected and aloof from the individual. Then there is the part of understanding and learning the Torah and about Hashem, which is something that is a more personal relationship and connection with Hashem. As beautiful as Torah learning is, since a human being is naturally biased, ideally one’s learning should follow the fundamental acquisition of unwavering Emunah.
לקו״ש טז

Although Torah is similar to other wisdom, it contains something extra and very unique. Torah comes from the word Hora-ah, which means ‘teaching’- since it doesn’t suffice to only remain an idea, but must be acted upon. The reason is because Torah is the wisdom of Hashem, which is truth, and truth rings true throughout. Therefore, when one needs to make a Torah judgment, he must be extremely careful not to have any ulterior motives in seeking the truth. Ultimately all opposing opinions will understand and concur with his conclusion. לקו״ש כ״א

The Jewish people are on a high after so many miracles. Amalak then comes to wage war with them. Moshe Rabaynu sends his student Yehoshua to fight the war while he ascends the mountain to Daven and fast. The Torah tells us that Moshe’s hands became weak, because he wasn’t sufficiently diligent in the mitzvah-since he sent somebody else to fight the war. The lesson learned is that if another Jew is being attacked, whether physically or spiritually, we must help them- not just by learning and davining in their merit, but by actually going out to help them.
לקו״ש כ״א

As the Jewish people are getting ready to leave Mitzraim and to be formed into a nation, Hashem tells us to bring a Karbon Pesach- each one in his own home. This signified bringing holiness into each one’s home- which is the mission statement of the Jewish people. Hashem wants a dwelling place in this world, mainly in the Bais Hamikdash, the most holy place in the world. That is why all other Karbon pesachs were sacrificed in the Bais Hamikdash, signifying, that that is the main place of holiness, and that’s where we get our energy of holineess. However, the ultimate purpose is for each of us to bring this holiness into our own homes and into our own lives.
לקו״ש כו

The true meaning of Geula reaches beyond the fact that you are physically or spiritually free to learn Torah and perform mitzvos. The focus is not about yourself, but rather that the service reaches beyond that - it is all about Hashem. When the focus is about yourself, a limited being, then that actually limits the service. When the purpose centers around Hashem, an unlimited being, then so does the passion and service reflect that feature of being unlimited in its
accomplishments.
The passion doesn’t waver when it is about an unwavering and complete truth.
לקו״ש לא

The objective of Galus is to reveal the concealment of our Neshama. In Galus most of our mental and emotional capacities aren’t necessarily in sync with Hashem, yet It reveals the core of our Nashama, prompting us even to the point of Mesiras Nefesh, self sacrifice.
Similarly with Shemos, a name doesn’t really represent who you are, yet one can even awaken an unconscious, person by calling his name, essentially awakening his core. In addition, the 24th of Teves is also the Alter Rebbe’s Yartzeit. He revealed the essence of Torah - which is Chasidus. The ultimate goal is that the core that is revealed shouldn’t just be revealed at difficult times, but should actually affect the reality in our consciousness day-to-day lives.
לקו״ש טז

The importance of self motivation: Yakov Avinu gathers together his sons to bless them, and then wants to reveal to them when Moshiach is coming. However, Hashem prevents him from doing so because revealing when moshiach is coming is what urges and motivates us to fulfill mitzvahs and to serve Hashem. Ideally the Geulah must be completely self-motivated, without any outside forces propelling us to do so. It is only that type of service which will bring a complete and eternal Geulah that will never change. Our service of Hashem has to be the same - a service that will never change ie. even when we’re not being motivated, our service to Hashem should never change. לקו״ש כ

The Jews settle in Goshen, which is in the land of Mitzraim and take ownership over it. This seems conflicting since earlier Hashem had told Avraham that his children would be foreigners in a ‘strange land’ .Therefore, the Torah relates that Goshen is in the land of Mitzraim even though we know that already. This is to teach us that although we are living in Goshen, which is the nicest part of town and living a good life, one should always remember that this is not where we belong. We are still in Mitzraim- which represents Golus. In a deeper sense, the purpose of being foreigners is to elevate the ( hidden and holy) sparks and make the world a better place. We must always remember that this is not where we truly belong; but rather are here only to improve and elevate this world. Only then will we have accomplished the purpose of Golus.
לקו״ש טו

When things are tough, we pray to Hashem. However, it is important to realize that even when things are seemingly natural occurrences and we are acting accordingly- just as we should, in truth, we still have to realize that everything is orchestrated by Hashem and we must pray. This is the lesson that Yakov gave the Shfatim before their return, to Mitzraim. Although everything that transpired appeared as natural occurrences,according to nature and although they prepared everything in a natural manner- preparing a present for the king and taking extra money, praying to Hashem was essential. In addition, this is also the miracle of Chanukah. Although it might have seemed like a natural/regular war, in truth, it was a miraculous war - as stated ‘the many in the hands of the few, etc..’

לקו״ש כה

The miracle of Chanuka is so powerful that not only were the Jews victorious over the many and mighty Greeks, but there is more to that victory than meets the eye. Many Jews had assimilated with the Greeks and although many had been forced to assimilate, yet they were still victorious. Seemingly, Hashem made the miracle even for those very few Jews that were openly proud to be Jewish.
This powerful lesson teaches us that although observant Jews are the minority of the world and even a minority amongst Jews, many who are not even aware of the basics of Judaism, we should not despair. We too will experience victory - just as in the original Chanuka story.
לקו״ש ל

The 19th of Kislev marks the day of liberation for the Alter Rebbe whose life’s mission was to spread the wellsprings of Torah to the outside world. Moreover, the goal was to not only expose the world to the inspiration of the wellsprings, but to actually infuse the world with the wellsprings themselves,
thereby breaking all boundaries that exist in Torah, in the Nashama of the Jew, and the world. Each of these three have two parts to them - the external or the more conscious part and the internal part-each being separate and different realities. Chasidus reveals the core and the essence of everything, merging them together, where they both become one reality , revealing
G-dliness in the external consciousness of everything we see.
לקו״ש טו

It is specifically through Zebulon, the businessman that Yakov‘s home, a home of Torah is established.
Hashem desires to have a dwelling place in the lowest of worlds where G-dliness is concealed. By observing Torah and mitzvos in this world- regardless of the many obstacles which present themselves, this, in fact, is what testifies that Torah is eternal.
Similarly the eternity of Torah is expressed when someone who is a businessperson is preoccupied with worldly matters and yet still finds time to learn Torah.
לקו״ש ל

Yitzchok is getting old and wants to bless his children. He becomes blind.
One of the reasons given is so that he should not be able to see, enabling him to bless Yakov rather than Esav.
The question arises as to why Hashem didn’t just inform Yitzchok that Esav was a bad person, why make him blind for 57 years? The answer is, that although Yakov had an idea who Esav was, Hashem did not want to speak badly about another Jew. לקו״ש טו

Although hard work often breeds success, true success comes only from Hashem Himself. Torah teaches us that Hashem brought Joseph success. The same happened with Eleazer, Avrohom’s trusted servant. The fact that he was submissive to Avraham brought him tremendous success in his mission to acquire a wife for Yitzchok.
We derive from this that through praying to Hashem for success and submitting to Him as well as to the leaders of the generation, we will be granted the true success we seek.
לקו״ש כה

There is a difference between a covenant made between two people and one made with G-d. One made between humans is limited and has the ability to change, however, a convenant with G-d, Who is unlimited, remains forever. That is why Hashem commanded of Avrohom to have a Bris Milah for himself and his children, so that they could be entered in a covenant that would last forever. Additionally, that’s why a child receives his bris at only 8 days old - when there is no human involvement but a covenant only from G-d.
לקו״ש כה

Hashem gives the land of Eretz Yisrael to Avraham Avenu for him and his children, as a gift and inheritance forever; thus the Jews make the land Eretz Hakodesh, a holy land. This happened twice before. Once when the Jews entered the land, the first time- by conquering it . The second time by repossessing the land. This represents two ways of serving Hashem. The first is compared to the service of a Tzadik-overwhelming the darkness- but then there is no guarantee that the holiness will be permanent.
The second way is like a Bal Tshuvah, working with the darkness, elevating it and returning it to Hashem. With that type of service the holiness will remain.
לקו״ש טו

Noach didn’t pray for salvation for his generation because he felt that he didn’t have the merit of our forefathers to depend on.
It is significant to derive a lesson from this, to pray for our fellow Jews, regardless of the circumstances. Even if sometimes you may attempt to reach out to uplift them, and inspire them, yet they are just not connecting, we shouldn’t give up; but rather pray to Hashem to remove the obstacles that are preventing them from becoming uplifted and inspired.
לקו״ש כה

Israel belongs to the Jews. G-d created the world, and he gave it (Israel) to the Jewish people. In our personal lives, there are two ways to serve Hashem. The more elevated way is through learning Torah and doing Mitzvahs. The second is by utilizing the mundane parts of our life- such as eating, sleeping and working - to serve Hashem - thus transforming the material world into a spiritual one. Although the first level might be considered a higher one, however, as far as accomplishing the purpose of creation-that Hashem has a dwelling place- not in the spiritual realm but-rather in the most mundane physical worlds, that is better accomplished with the second approach.
לקו״ש כ

There are two ways to serve Hashem. One way is to set aside times to serve Him- you learn, do Mitzvos here and there, but the rest of the day is for yourself.
The second way is when I am connected and conscious of Him when I am learning, Davening, or even just going about my day while realizing the Hashgacha in everything; that everything that I see or person that I meet or place that I go to is for a reason and a purpose to serve Him.
That is why we call this Yom Tov Sukos, because the Sukah represents being completely surrounded by the Mitzvah while additionally has the quality of being a Mitzvah that is there 24 seven.
לקו״ש ב

We connect to Hashem through Torah and Mitzvos, creating an energy flow between our Neshama and Hashem. With each individual Mitzvah, a different connection is established. When one of those connections is damaged, we must do Teshuva - reaching a deeper part of our Neshama that’s beyond damage to correct the areas that have been affected. When that is complete, we then reach an even deeper level of Teshuva that is not about correcting that which was wrong, but access a deeper part of our Neshama, thus creating a deeper connection to Hashem.
It is said that during the 10 days of Teshuva. Hashem is very near to us, and therefore, we are able to access the higher level of Teshuva, even without the lower level, thus creating an instant deep connection to Hashem.
לקו״ש יד

Hashem values the contribution and hard work of man, to make the world a better place. Every year on Rosh Hashanah, when we blow the shofar, we draw down all the energies and revelations that we need for that year. However, this year the first day is going to be Shabbos and we don’t blow the shofar, however, the holiness of Shabbos accomplishes everything that needs to be accomplished. Then, on the second day we go ahead and blow the shofar.
This demonstrates that although shabbos accomplished everything the first day from above, the person, the human contribution is what is still needed on the second day.
לקו״ש יט

Although Hashem already made a covenant with the Jewish people by Matan Torah, 40 years later, He makes another one, as they’re about to enter the land of Eretz Yisroel. The first time He made it just with their soul, and that was enough to sustain them, however, the second time it was also with their body. This was because they were about to embark on a new life, where they would have to deal with realities of this physical world. In addition, that day was Rosh Hashanah, a day that we commemorate two things; firstly, the creation of man which was the purpose of the world, and second, the creation of the world itself. Ultimately man has to work on, not just himself, but also finding G-dliness and goodness in the world itself.
לקו״ש כד

There are two parts to our “Parnasah“, our sustenance.
The first is called “Geshamim” (rain), which represents the blessing of Hashem from above. The second is called, Parnasah (livelihood) which represents our participation and work. In the Gemara it states that even the key to Parnasah, our participation, comes from Hashem; because even with our participation, we should recognize that in actuality , everything is a blessing from Hashem, and that we only create the vessels to receive those blessings.
לקו׳ש כד

When we build a new home, we must put a railing on the roof for protection. In our day-to-day life. This represents each one of us is commissioned to building a new reality around ourselves, something that was never there before to change ourselves, and those around us, in order to do this properly we must build a railing of protection around our haughtiness and our pride. It is only then that we will be able to grow properly, be healthy and to be able to influence others. לקו״ש כד

There are two parts to giving Tzedakah. One is the physical action of helping and giving the poor, the other is the attitude behind it to give with an open mind and a open heart, both are referenced in this weeks Parsha in two different Psukim. In a deeper sense they reference two types of Jews one jew gives because Hashem will give him back, another gives with no motive only because he opened his mind and heart opening his soul that’s called unlimited giving. לקו”ש לד

When our relationship with Hashem is in a way that we keep the ‘Eikev’ Mitzvahs, seemingly the less important Mitzvahs, with the same commitment and with the same passion as the ‘Rosh’ Mitzvahs, the more important Mitzvahs , that displays a very deep relationship with Hashem.
The word Mitzvah is etymologically derived from the word tzavsa (connection). Therefore there is no difference between a seemingly big or small mitzvah; rather it is all about connecting and having a relationship with Hashem, one that is much deeper than understanding.
Therefore, it makes no difference how big or small the Mitzvah is. This warrants the same response from Hashem; one where He takes care of us and protects us (although we are as ‘a sheep among 70 wolves’) in ways beyond logic.
לקו״ש יט

Describing the power of the voice (sounds)of Matan Torah, the Medrash says that the voice was so powerful that it had no echo.
Normally sound travels until it hits an object that blocks it, and then it bounces back. However, at Matan Torah it was similar to the time of Moshiach where the physical and spiritual merge together, thus there was no physical item to block the words of Hashem. Rather,it absorbed it, and they became one.
Being that Matan Torah was given to every individual ,we too have the power to take the holiness of Torah and have it absorb every part of our life.
לקו״ש ד

There was a unique power that the Jewish people possessed in order to be able to conquer the two kingdoms of Sichon and Og. Those kingdoms were extremely powerful nations. In addition, they had the power of unity.
However, the power of unity that the Jewish people displayed was far greater than the unity of the kingdoms of Sichon and Og. Those kingdoms were comprised of individuals who united only for a common cause. However, the Jewish people are essentially one; creating a much greater power and thus able to overcome the mighty kingdoms of Sichon and Og.
לקו״ש כט

Life is not just about the destinations, but is primarily about the Journey - where we don’t stay stuck in one place doing the same thing all the time, but rather are constantly growing in a major way. Even when we reach our destination, we know that ultimately we must move on. Even more than the journey itself, sometimes we are able to completely disconnect ourselves from all the past limitations, it is this tremendous leap foward that identifies a real journey. Life is ultimately one big journey, as is the entire Golus. This means that even the tough times are all part of the journey, until we reach the ultimate destination - the coming of the Moshiach
לקו״ש כג

It is a time of crisis or a dire situation. There are many people present who are doing nothing to assist . At such a time, don’t think to yourself that if the great, capable or smart individuals are doing nothing , then who am I to act?
In this week’s Parsha we learn that in actuality, this may be the very reason why you’re in this situation and nobody else is doing anything; it is so that you are the one who should get up and lead. Sometimes there’s a powerful spark or energy within us that we’re not even aware of until we act and make the difference. We learn this from Pinchas, who stepped forward when the Jewish people were in a serious crisis. It was Pinchus who approached the Jewish leaders and inquired of them what should be done. No one acted. Although he was a simple person, he rose up, led and saved many. לקו״ש ב

The Para Aduma was specifically connected to Moshe Rabbeinu. The ashes of his para was mixed into the other ashes and only he received the reasoning behind this mitzvah. The Chazal say that the Para Aduma forgives for the Eigel. Since the Eigel brought death to the world and the para removes the idea of death, it therefore purifies somebody who touched a dead person. Being that Moshe represents the idea of the eternal , therefore, it is he who has the power, through the Para Aduma, to remove the concept of death in this world. Since being connected to Hashem is true life, Moshe’s eternal bond with Hashem brought him eternal life and that idea to the world.
לקו״ש לג

As Moshe is walking towards the tent of Korach and his people to inform everybody standing around to move away as Hashem is about to wipe out Korach. It says that when Moshe walked towards Korach he made sure to carry himself with royalty causing the elders who saw him to all follow along creating a big entourage, he did it in order that maybe this would awaken an awe and humility within Korach and his people that they would do Teshuva, although it was already past the last moment, and he tried many times before to make peace with Korach. This teaches us how much we must go out of our way as much as possible to help out someone else.
לקו״ש כח

Just like by Naaseh V'nishma, as important as the Nishma is to understand what you’re doing and that it should makes sense to you, however it must be based purely on the Naaseh following exactly as you’re told,so when Moshe sent spies, even though he wanted them to use their own mind in searching the land the idea of Naaseh, but at the end they deviated from their shlichus , and they completely relied on their own mind and came up with their own conclusion,that we can’t go into the land, And being that a person sees things subjectively therefore it’s never really purely true, only someone like Moshe is able to perceive things in a way that is purely true,and therefore it must always be based on Moshe. לקו״ש כג

What is the real meaning of the very powerful saying “it’s never too late“ . It is not only all of the things we feel that were missed opportunities that we can make up for them and do it now. It is also those opportunities that maybe we feel are not so important to us, like to help somebody that at that moment, we’re not really in the mood to help. We should recognize and realize maybe that’s the reason why our Nashama was sent down to this world to help that individual, and the lesson is that it’s not late to do those opportunities, like the holy Bal Shemtov says that the Nashama comes down for 70-80 years just to help out another Jew. לקו״ש י״ח

Just like we have 613 limbs that draw energy, so too we have 613 Mitzvos that are spiritual limbs that draw the energy of the Nashama, and when we lack in doing a Mitzvah then that limb becomes weak and we must regenerate energy from the essence of the Nashama through doing Teshuvah, and realizing what we did, and that we must stop our ways and reconnect to Hashem, Being that it has to be completely authentic and independent. Therefore there are those that say that to do Teshuvah is not a Mitzvah so you shouldn’t have any outside commandments pushing you to do it , it should be totally independent,however ultimately you must bring this energy back into your daily life and bring a new energy in your performance of Mitzvos. לקו״ש לח

One of the major accomplishments of Shavuot was Hashem called us a kingdom of priests. What does it mean to be a king? That you are aloof from the rest of the nation and you don’t have to work, and that you are provided with everything. So too, Hashem gave us the Torah and he lifted us above all the other nations, and beyond the whole system of nature, and therefore when a Jew does Torah and Mitzvahs, he has no worries, and Hashem provides him with everything he needs, and the leader of every generation who has characteristics of a King helps us reveal the king within us. Moshie, David, and the Bal Shem Tov who are all connected to Shavuot where able to reveal that in their generation.
לקו״ש י״ח

We need you. When Hashem counts Jewish people, it’s to show his love for us and that deep down we’re all the same, special and holy. However in this weeks, Parsha, we counted the Jews separately according to their Shevet focusing more on the individual and unique service to Hashem, how each Shevet was unique in their way of serving Hashem. If we are focusing on the unique service that everyone has to Hashem, why is everybody counted equally ? One who serves hashem on a much higher level should be counted as more. The answer is because each individual way of serving Hashem is equally important as the other one, as far as creating the Jewish people,because to create the Jewish people as a whole, we need all the different parts, large or small that make up the entity called the Jewish people just as a healthy body needs all the different parts to make up a healthy body.
לקו״ש כג

How can we both be strong and bold overcoming our challenges, a real mountain, yet at the same time be submissive and given over to Hashem . Regardless if we understand His Mitzvos or not, this is the name of our two Parshas בהר בחקתי. The idea is that true submission to Hashem is not that you have to fight and force yourself to do what He wants, but that you search for the truth and want to connect to the truth and that becomes your whole reality therefore your strength and boldness is not yours your own ego, but that of Hashem.
לקו״ש כב

We must train ourselves that everything we have, any success we have is all from Hashem. That is the reason why we are not allowed to eat the new harvest until we bring the first of the harvest as a Karbon to Hashem. It’s actually a two stage process, the first being prohibited from eating the new harvest until we bring the first as a Karbon training ourselves to recognize that everything is from Hashem, and the second is to actually bring the first of the harvest to hashem which is working on ourselves to give our first and best to Hashem. לקו״ש יז

A Jew is a Jew, no matter how he behaves because his bond with Hashem is like a son, that no matter what he’ll do he’ll always be a son however, when we come down to this world, our relationship with Hashem must be through Torah and Mitzvos, This bond is expressed primarily with the Mitzvahs of loving your fellow Jew as yourself, the only way to be able to do that properly is by being able to look at a Jew how he is in his source, which is one with Hashem and truly his brother.

The meaning of punishment is not to hurt somebody, but the cleanse him, and give him time to reevaluate his life and to start a new, just like the Metzora who speaks Lashan Hara, where originally his house gets afflicted if he doesn’t get the message, then his clothing, and eventually himself where he gets sent out of the community, giving him time to reflect, and think about his life, reevaluate it, and start a new. לקו״ש כב