Nothing in life is an accident. In Parashas Va’eschanan, we read about the Arei Miklat, the cities of refuge for those who unintentionally killed. This parashah usually falls out immediately following Tishah B’Av and, consequently, shortly before Elul.

Based on shiurim given by Rav Yisrael Altusky shlita, Yeshiva Torah Ore, Yerushalayim

What should be our focus during the hot summer months, especially during bein ha’metzarim—the Three Weeks? This time of year, which coincides with camp and “summer fun,” is rarely anticipated with excitement. It begins with the fast of Shiva Asar b’Tamuz, commemorating the breaching of the walls of Yerushalayim, and culminates with Tishah b’Av, the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. The minhagim and restrictions observed during this period—particularly as Av begins—are far from enjoyable. (Unless, of course, you’re looking forward to all-dairy meals. Just avoid the siyum!)

In our previous article, we began exploring the uniqueness of Moshe’s prophecy. To review, the Rambam famously formulates thirteen principles of faith that he believes to be the absolute foundational pillars of Jewish belief, emphasizing that every Jew must believe in these principles.