The Three Weeks 143 articles

What is the significance of Aspasyanus not being able to put his shoe on when he received the good news of becoming the emperor? Previous: In the Hands of a King

Why did it specifically have to be a king, and not just an expert military general, who conquered Jerusalem? What is the significance of a king? Previous: The Secret Behind the...

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person – Mignon McLaughlin. We are decidedly troubling beings.  We are at once noble and sanctified creatures, imbued...

Why does it matter whether Marta bat Baitus died from stepping in dung or from the smell of eating the fig of Rebbi Tzadok? What should we learn from the story? Previous:...

The Gemara provides a detailed explanation of the wealthy Marta bat Baitus’ death due to her servant’s poor judgement. What was he thinking? What are we supposed to learn from it? Previous: Our...

There are 3 attributes with which God runs the world (justice, truth, peace). These parallel the 3 types of donations of the 3 wealthy people during the siege of Jerusalem. Previous:...

During the Roman siege, 3 wealthy Jerusalemites pledged to supply the besieged city with its needs: one with wheat & barley, one with wine, salt, & oil, and one with wood. What are we to...

The only thing Chazal mandate for the 3 weeks is the 3 haftarot; the aveilut customs are later additions. The essence of the 3 weeks then is the messages we get...

3 wealthy people provided enough to sustain the besieged city Jerusalem for 21 years had it not been for the zealots’ burning the storehouses. The Gemara tells us about each one...

3 rich men were able to supply the besieged Jerusalem for 21 years. Chazal felt these 21 years would have been enough to defeat the Romans had it not been for...