1.   In time, Torah and human activity, G‑d wants the details as well as generalities. G‑d wants man to fulfill his obligations each day.

2.   Everyone must study Tanya. The group of guests from Toronto followed the directive of Massai in a practical way, by coming here.

3.   Mattos refers to staunchness in Torah, Massai is traveling away from home. Their themes conflict. The juxtaposition teaches that even when you are a guest you must follow your regular strict observance, also when you are strict you must improve and increase — move higher.

4.   Rashi teaches that at the end of the 40 years in the desert the Torah teaches us the limits of Shabbos travel and Rabbah bar bar Chonah actually measured the distance. Similarly, R. Yishmael taught that the word “kill” must be repeated about the adult women in the story of the war of Midyan for there is no rule in Torah deduction which would have clarified that verse.

5.   The Holy Ark was not included in Rambam’s description of the vessels of the Beis HaMikdash, since he does not consider the Ark as a vessel of Divine service in the Sanctuary. The Temple was built for the purpose of the Ark, the Shechinah and the Torah.

6.   The teachings of Avos began with the Men of the Great Assembly, for in the earlier generations the righteous did not need fences for Torah and the wicked would not heed the words of piety.

7.   Preparation should be made to properly observe Shemitah in Eretz Yisrael.