Discovering the Hidden Light and Spiritual Power of The Three Weeks

Bein HaMetzarim — the Three Weeks, are twenty-one days of sorrow and spiritual vulnerability, that require extra care, protection, and awareness.

These days are much more than a period of mourning. They are the path that leads to the Beit HaMikdash.

As King David writes in Psalms, “In the House of God, we walked with emotion.” From the Seventeenth of Tammuz until Tisha B’Av, we are traveling a spiritual road. With God's help, when the Beit HaMikdash is rebuilt and revealed in its glory, we will realize that these very days were the pathway leading us there.

These are not merely days of loss. They are days of yearning, that invite us to remember what is missing and to strengthen our hope for what will one day be restored.

The Hidden Key Within the Three Weeks

From the Seventeenth of Tammuz until Tisha B’Av there are twenty-two days. Twenty-two days multiplied by twenty-four hours equals 528 hours.

The numerical value (gematria) of 528 is “mafteach”—a key.

These days possess the power of a key. They have the ability to open gates, to open what is closed, and to unlock what seems unreachable. They are days filled with the spiritual power to open doors of redemption, healing, salvation, and freedom. We pray that they open the doors for those who are trapped, suffering, and waiting for deliverance wherever they may be.

The Hidden Light of Tishrei

The Netivot Shalom teaches a remarkable idea. He explains that the days of Bein HaMetzarim correspond to the holy days of the month of Tishrei.

Count the days from Rosh Hashanah until Simchat Torah and you will also find twenty-two days. But there is a significant difference.

In Tishrei, everything is revealed. There are festive meals, sweet pomegranates, apples dipped in honey, holiday greetings, beautiful sukkot, heartfelt prayers, and celebrations filled with joy. The holiness is visible and tangible.

During the Three Weeks, however, the very same spiritual light exists, but in concealment. It is hidden beneath the surface.

Finding God Within the Concealment

The Netivot Shalom explains that even within concealment, God is still present.

During Tishrei, holiness is placed before us like a beautifully prepared table. During the Three Weeks however, we must uncover it ourselves.

The challenge of these days is to search for the hidden light, to discover God precisely where His presence seems most concealed, and to find hope within sorrow and redemption within exile.

Creating a Personal Reminder

What should we do during the Three Weeks?

First and foremost, take on something personal. Choose a small act that reminds you that we are mourning the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash. Create something that helps you remember that these are days of longing and yearning.

I will share my own practice.

For several years now, I have accepted upon myself not to eat anything sweet during the Three Weeks. My morning coffee becomes the greatest challenge of the day because I love it with nearly a full teaspoon of sugar.

During these weeks, there is no sugar. And it is difficult — very difficult. But every morning, it reminds me that I am living through Bein HaMetzarim.

If I suddenly crave a sweet snack or dessert, I refrain from eating it until Friday afternoon after midday. Then, as Shabbat approaches, I happily return to my cheesecake and chocolate cake.

Each person can choose something different. The goal is not hardship for its own sake; the goal is remembrance.

Try to avoid something that brings you particular joy, even in a small way, so that throughout the day you carry a gentle reminder that these are days of mourning for Jerusalem. A reminder that something precious is still missing. A reminder that we are waiting, yearning, praying, and hoping.

The Promise of Jerusalem

Our sages teach: “Whoever mourns for Jerusalem will merit to see her rebuilt and rejoice in her restoration.”

May we merit not only to mourn Jerusalem, but to witness her rebuilding. May we see her joy. May we see her redemption. And may these very days become the key that opens the gates of complete redemption for the entire Jewish people.