The Power of Small Breaches: Reflections for Shivah Asar B’Tammuz

By Rebbetzin Chavi Golovenshitz | Nourishment for the Neshama

Dedicated l’ilui nishmat Rav Shlomo ben Reb Yitzchak

Although it's a little late this week, I wanted to continue the routine of sharing nourishment for the neshama—Torah thoughts that uplift and inspire. It’s not always easy, especially with the challenges of living between two worlds—here in the “chutz” (diaspora), where we’re reading Parashat Balak, and in Eretz Yisrael, where the reading is Parashat Pinchas. But I found a meaningful way to connect both parshiot through the upcoming fast of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, which falls this Sunday.

What Happened on Shivah Asar B’Tammuz?

Chazal teach us that Shivah Asar B’Tammuz marks the beginning of the Three Weeks, a tragic period in Jewish history that culminates in Tisha B’Av. Five devastating events occurred on this day, including:

1. The sin of the Golden Calf (Chet Ha’Egel) and the breaking of the first Luchot.

2. The breaching of the walls of Yerushalayim before the destruction of the Second Beit HaMikdash.

3. The cessation of the Korban Tamid, the daily Temple sacrifice.

4. The burning of a Sefer Torah by our enemies.

5. The placement of an idol in the Heichal, the inner sanctum of the Temple.

Each of these events holds deep meaning. Today, I want to focus on two: the breach in the wall of Yerushalayim, and the cancellation of the Korban Tamid—and how both connect to this week’s parshiot and our lives today.

The Danger of Small Breaches

When the Romans breached the wall of Yerushalayim, it wasn’t yet the destruction—but it was the beginning of the end. Chazal don’t mark the destruction itself as the tragedy, but rather the moment of weakness: that first breach. Why? Because a small crack makes way for full collapse.

This idea is powerfully echoed at the end of Parashat Balak. Bilam, seeing that he could not curse Am Yisrael, gave Balak dangerous advice: "Make them sin." Specifically, cause them to fall through immorality—because when Hashem sees corruption, His Shechinah departs.

Indeed, the Torah tells us that “the people began to sin with the daughters of Moav and Midian.” It started subtly—Chazal tell us that older women set up enticing marketplaces filled with fine garments and wine. After the men drank, the younger women came, leading to severe sin and idol worship. This descent began with a small crack in their spiritual defenses.

The message is clear: spiritual downfalls often begin with what seems like a minor lapse—a compromised standard in dress, speech, or interaction. We think, “It’s not so bad,” but as Hashem warned Kayin: “LaPetach Chata Roveitz”—sin crouches at the entrance. The smallest opening can lead to overwhelming destruction.

Bilam’s Insight: The Strength and Vulnerability of the Jewish Home

Ironically, Bilam also saw the unmatched strength of Am Yisrael. “Ma Tovu Ohalecha Yaakov”—he praised the modesty and holiness of our homes, where entrances didn’t face one another, preserving tzniut and kedusha.

He recognized that as long as our boundaries—our physical, emotional, and spiritual safeguards—remained intact, we were invincible. But his advice to Balak was chilling: Break their kedusha, and their downfall will follow.

The Korban Tamid: Daily Devotion and Connection

Now let’s turn to Parashat Pinchas, which outlines all the sacrifices of the year. It begins with the Korban Tamid, the daily offering brought every morning and afternoon. This korban is so central that Chazal consider it the most important pasuk in the Torah:

“Et hakeves echad ta’aseh baboker, ve’et hakeves hasheni ta’aseh bein ha’arbayim – One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the second in the afternoon.” (Bamidbar 28:4)

Ben Zoma said Shema Yisrael is the most important pasuk. Ben Azzai said Ve’ahavta l’rei’acha kamocha. But Shimon ben Pazi said the Korban Tamid is the foundation of Torah life—and the chachamim agreed.

Why? Because closeness to Hashem isn’t about grand spiritual moments. It’s about daily consistency. The Korban Tamid teaches us that avodat Hashem happens every day, in quiet faithfulness, in the routines that bring Hashem into our homes, hearts, and lives.

When the Korban Tamid ceased on Shivah Asar B’Tammuz, it symbolized more than a loss of sacrifice—it meant a rupture in our daily connection with Hashem.

Modern Relevance: Technology, Youth, and the Need for Boundaries

Today, our walls are also being breached—not by Roman soldiers, but by modern influences and technology. Our youth, especially, are vulnerable. Devices, entertainment, and social media can open spiritual cracks that widen into real dangers if left unchecked.

We must heed the lesson of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz: set boundaries. Protect our homes. Stay vigilant, even with the "small" things. Because from one sip of wine, came idol worship. From one crack in a wall, came the destruction of Yerushalayim.

In Conclusion: Daily Devotion Builds Eternal Strength

Our mission as Jewish women is to fortify the walls of our homes and souls. Like the Korban Tamid, our avodah must be daily, quiet, consistent. Whether it's tzniut, tefillah, learning, or simple acts of kindness, it all adds up.

May this Shivah Asar B’Tammuz be the last. May Mashiach come speedily, and may the Beit HaMikdash be rebuilt. And until then, may we strengthen our homes with kedusha, our schedules with consistency, and our hearts with unwavering emunah.

B’ahavah,

Rebbetzin Chavi Golovenshitz