Page 420 - MOADIM

Why didn’t the Sages understand the reason for the destruction and had
to be told by Hashem that it was due to the neglect of Torah study?

When one is submerged in sin, his eyes are clouded to reality and he does
not realize he is sinning.

Alexander the Great bowed before Shimon HaTzaddik because he
perceived his inherent sanctity.
Yosef Meshita could not bring himself to re-enter the Beit Hamikdash at
Titus’ behest, as the Menorah, symbol of the Torah, aroused him to do
teshuvah.

Titus sinned with a harlot in the Beit Hamikdash, upon a Torah scroll.
One’s body is like a miniature sanctuary that houses the Shechinah and
like a Sefer Torah that houses the mitzvot. When we see inappropriate
sights, we are like Titus, defiling our inner sanctuary.

Torah study is the antidote to the yetzer hara. Precisely during the summer
months, when obstacles abound, it is imperative to protect oneself with
the power of Torah.

The Arizal says that many troubles befell Am Yisrael during the months
of Tammuz and Av because that is when the temptation of seeing
improper sights is at its peak. # 26347-EYAL-6

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moadey heshana