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Dear Yeshiva Family:
The Shelah (Maseches Taanis, Torah Ohr) notes that it is curious how the Parshiyos of Matos, Masei and Devarim always fall out during the period known as "The Three Weeks," and in general, Parshas Pinchas. He explains that this is not by chance, and that Matos and Masei discussing Klal Yisrael's conquering and dividing up Eretz Yisrael is very appropriate for this time, for the true theme of these weeks is a theme of joy, as it will be when Moshiach comes. In the times of Moshiach these weeks will start with a Yom Tov of Shiva Asar BeTamuz and will have three weeks of celebration that culminate in a big Yom Tov of Tisha Be'Av, during which we will celebrate our future redemption. So, the current somber mood is only what we experience now during Galus, but the true mood is reflective of the topics of these upcoming Parshiyos, which is that of sovereignty and success.
Parshas Pinchas is also reflective of the future mood of these weeks, for this parshah discusses all of the Yomim Tovim throughout the year as well as the appropriate korbanos, or sacrifices, to be brought during those holidays. This is apropos of the future, heralding two brand new yomim tovim, to be celebrated by bringing korbanos.
The Chofetz Chaim, in his Sefer Einei Yisrael, quotes the Gemara which states that Moshiach will come in a generation that is either entirely deserving of redemption or entirely undeserving. The Chofetz Chaim clarifies that this assessment applies not to the entire generation collectively, but rather to each individual person. There will come a time when individuals must introspect and make a definitive choice about their beliefs and actions. Each person will either choose to lead a righteous life or align with the opposing, and the party of those who try to straddle both will disappear.
It's important to note that there are numerous ways to serve Hashem with dedication. There are dedicated individuals in Tzahal who are tremendously dedicated to the Ribono Shel Olam and His Torah, guided by Gedolim and committed to Yiddishkeit. Conversely, there are those who, following their own Mesorah, choose not to enlist. This article does not aim to sway one viewpoint over another, just as it wouldn't persuade someone who wears a Shtreimel to adopt a black hat. Just as a Sefardic Jew must hear Parshas Zachor in the Sefardic tradition to fulfill the obligation, and vice versa for an Ashkenazi, we recognize that not everyone serves Hashem in the same manner. However, we are all similar in that whatever our derech, we must fully commit to it as instructed by our Gedolim.
The Chofetz Chaim once commented on the pasuk in Bereishis, that there was a Tree of Life in the middle of Gan Eden. Questioned the Chofetz Chaim, why is it important that the tree was in the middle of the Garden? The Chofetz Chaim explained that if something is in the center of a circle, there are many paths to reach it. There are many paths to serving Hashem, they just have to be trodden upon properly.
The Chofetz Chaim's statement does not draw lines between camps dedicated to Hashem; rather, it addresses those who occasionally serve Hashem while knowingly disregarding parts of the Torah without intent to change. Such individuals will face choices—to uphold Hashem and His Torah or not, echoing Eliyahu Hanavi's words: "Either you are with us or with the idolatrous Baal."
Throughout a regular day, people encounter the Yetzer hara many times. In the realm of Shemiras einayim (guarding one's eyes from improper sights), even a brief visit to a mall presents hundreds of opportunities to serve Hashem, or not. Those committed to Hashem must continually decide to embrace the challenge of serving Him daily. Serving Hashem isn't confined to moments in shul; it demands unwavering dedication as a way of life. Certainly, setbacks will occur. The Chofetz Chaim likely meant not a life devoid of sin but rather one without commitment. It entails striving to live according to Torah's guidelines to the best of our abilities.
At times, one may view himself as a devout Jew, believing he would never engage in major transgressions like perpetrating a Ponzi scheme or betraying a spouse. However, they might overlook smaller daily struggles and fail to follow the Torah in those areas. It's crucial to recognize the significance of these minor details.
The yetzer hara, the evil inclination, typically doesn't bother us with challenges completely beyond our natural limits. Instead, his strategy involves gradually eroding our defenses, nudging our moral boundaries piece by piece.
Moreover, it's entirely plausible that not everyone will face monumental tests. Many may never encounter such trials throughout their lives. Instead, their tests may consist of numerous small challenges during the mundane routines of daily life. One might enter the next world proud of never having betrayed their spouse, only to realize they were never even tested in that regard. Their true tests were the myriad small challenges, many of which they may have failed. If we think of Hashem as having an army, there are those in elite units like the Marines and Navy Seals, and there are those in essential but less glamorous roles, like traffic police. Society cannot function without either. If a traffic enforcement officer boasts of no shootings on his watch but he only directed 30% of his assigned traffic properly, he would be deemed a failure. We must regard even the seemingly small tasks with utmost seriousness, for they may be our primary responsibilities in life.
As time marches on and global politics grow increasingly unpredictable, it becomes important for us to introspect and assess whether we are approaching our tests and challenges with the appropriate mindset and to make sure we are choosing the right approach. We must decide if we are fully committed to the correct approach and are putting our best foot forward.
May Hashem continue to guide us towards the eventual redemption where we will appreciate the true placement of these parshiyos in their correct time!
Have a great Shabbos!
Rabbi Moshe Revah Rosh HaYeshiva, HTC - Beis HaMidrash LaTorah moshe.revah@htc.edu | 
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