Shabbos Chol HaMoed
The passuk states “שלש רגלים” what does רגלים mean and teach? The HaKsav V’haKabalah lists three basic explanations that we are all familiar with. Simply it hints at “רגל, a foot” as the Gemara states a person who has an amputated foot is exempt from aliyah l-Regel because he’s missing a foot. The Gemara writes how beautiful are the feet of Yisreal when they ascend for the Regel as it states, “מה יפו פעמיך.” Rashi in Parshas Balak writes on the words “למה הכיתני זה שלש רגלים” why did you smite me these three times, which reflects “three times during the year.” The Rambam explains רגלים as Yomim Tovim, then one is obligated to come close to Hashem in the Beis HaMikdash and offer specific korbanos.
The HaKsav V’haKabalah points out that it is seems insufficient to explain רגלים just as walking from the Har HaBayis to the Azarah. He suggests that the description of רגל, referring to the foot also hints at walking and moving by being led with one’s mind and intellect, as it states, “וכל העם אשר ברגליך,” which Rashi explains as “and all the people that are led after your advice.” Also, the Gemara writes that laughter and lightheadedness are “מרגילים – lead,” they bring a person to bad things. The word רגילים reflects on the Yomim Tovim that their essence is to lead and bring a person to follow the ways of Hashem and His mitzvos on another level.
Hashem took us out of Mitzrayim with signs and wonders, great and fearful, which we all saw. This implanted in our beings to be servants to Him alone and to guard all His commandments, even the chukim which are without reason. Just like Hashem acted with us beyond understanding by performing many unbelievable miracles above natural causes, so too we are indebted as servants to fulfill mitzvos although they are not rational to us and we don’t understand; we know we must accept and follow. However later generations might forget Hashem’s amazing wonders, then we will be pestered by the yeitzer hara and nations regarding our performance of mitzvos. We will question ourselves, why should we be different than everyone else to be obligated to perform mitzvos that aren’t sensible to us and we won’t readily accept to follow commands that aren’t logical. Therefore, Hashem instructs Yisrael to ascend to the Beis HaMikdash three times a year to become instilled with many constant actions of miracles and wonders beyond natural confinement. (See “Miracles of the Beis HaMikdash”) There we will see the Honor of Hashem and be strengthened to love and fear Him, and equally attach ourselves to Him without limits.
May Hashem return His Shechina with the rebuilding of the Third Beis HaMikdash bimheira v’yameinu, Amen!
