There is an idea that we are not responsible for our actions. This is not what the Torah says. Even if it is an accident we hold some responsibility.

There were many bad things that happened to the Jewish people during the 3 Weeks. But it is also the time that we will see the beginning of the Redemption.

The Book of Deuteronomy is all about how to set up society once the Jews reach the Land of Israel. Moses's main concern was that the Jews not copy the ways of the Egyptians or their society.

The Torah emphasizes our need to do the right thing. It is no accident that this week's portion is always read during the 3 Weeks of mourning. That is because we lost the Temple because we did the wrong thing.

The Book of Deuteronomy begins with Moses recounting the things that happened in the wilderness. His aim was that we should learn from our mistakes. Greatness comes from someone learning what the did that was wrong and working to correct them.

As we are in the Three Weeks we have to remember that we are only deserving of the Land if we treat each other properly. The reason we lost the land was in our bad behavior one to the other.

The commandment to drive the local population out of the land seems cruel to us today. We have to realize the evil that those societies represented. The Torah was afraid that they would influence the Jews

The idea of the Cities of Refuge was for someone who accidentally killed another.
The were allowed out when the High Priest died. The reason is that if he had been doing his job correctly then the accidental death would not have occurred.

The tribes of Reuben & Gad request permission to settle on the east bank of the Jordan River. Moses grants this on the condition that they help in the mission in conquering the Land. This is to show that we have a duty to our nation.

The Jews receive a commandment to kill all the Midianites, women as well as men. Why? The women were willing participants in the evil plans of Balak. He did not have to force them to do it. They were as bad as the men.