Insights into The Three Weeks:
It is The Three Weeks of 5776, so I would like to share some hopefully helpful insights into it: As we know, both Batei Hamikdash were destroyed during this period, and this is why we mourn and fast. So this is a very, very sad time. A person who doesn't fully comprehend things might ask; "Why is this so sad? We are fine without the Beis Hamikdash!" A person who thinks along those lines, needs to correct how they think in this severely.
The Beis Hamikdash was such a special place - a place where Hashem's Divine Presence rested, and we were able to serve Him in the most ultimate form. We could offer offerings, the Kohanim would perform the special services, etc. So this was so extremely important and wonderful - serving Hashem in the ultimate form! And we were so close to Him back then.
Hashem gave us a place where He rested His Presence, and we could bring offerings to Him, etc. And what did we do? We sinned so much that He had to have the Holy House destroyed, and send us into Exile. Though, as Rebbe Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin zt"l explains, things such as Exile are only to cleanse us of our sins. So, in reality, even this terrible Exile is for the best.1 But we must still remember that it is our fault that we are in Exile and do not have the holy Beis Hamikdash.
In conclusion, the fact that the Beis Hamikdash is not around anymore is much, much worse than we even imagine, and, we do not only mourn over the destruction, but also, we need to mourn over the fact that we sinned for it to be destroyed. We must mourn over our sins as well.
But what is the message for us of the Three Weeks? Let me try to give a possible answer for this question: The Three Weeks should be a time to remember and contemplate about the Beis Hamikdash, to think about how great it was, and also to remember our sins. For, the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because of our sins, and why is it not being rebuilt yet? Because of our sins! Ah, but now we see one of the lessons of The Three Weeks: Since we know the things which I just mentioned, we can think about our own sins, and try to repent for them. And if every Jew does Teshuvah, returns to Hashem, and tries very hard to stop sinning, then Hashem will rebuild the holy Beis Hamikdash very speedily in everyone's days!
So The Three Weeks are a time for contemplation, a time for mourning and sadness - even on a personal level, because we know that we too, have sinned, and contributed to the Beis Hamikdash not being here currently. This Holy House where we were able to serve Hashem to the ultimate level! Think about this! We must try to take the messages of The Three Weeks to heart, and hopefully, B'Ezras Hashem, put them into action.
I will try to, B'Ezras Hashem Yisbarech, follow up this post at a later date with a post on Tisha B'Av. And I sincerely hope that all these things help.
Have a wonderful day!
Refoel Berel
1 Stone Edition Chumash, Parshas Beshalach. Artscroll/Mesorah Publications© Ltd.
In conclusion, the fact that the Beis Hamikdash is not around anymore is much, much worse than we even imagine, and, we do not only mourn over the destruction, but also, we need to mourn over the fact that we sinned for it to be destroyed. We must mourn over our sins as well.
But what is the message for us of the Three Weeks? Let me try to give a possible answer for this question: The Three Weeks should be a time to remember and contemplate about the Beis Hamikdash, to think about how great it was, and also to remember our sins. For, the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed because of our sins, and why is it not being rebuilt yet? Because of our sins! Ah, but now we see one of the lessons of The Three Weeks: Since we know the things which I just mentioned, we can think about our own sins, and try to repent for them. And if every Jew does Teshuvah, returns to Hashem, and tries very hard to stop sinning, then Hashem will rebuild the holy Beis Hamikdash very speedily in everyone's days!
So The Three Weeks are a time for contemplation, a time for mourning and sadness - even on a personal level, because we know that we too, have sinned, and contributed to the Beis Hamikdash not being here currently. This Holy House where we were able to serve Hashem to the ultimate level! Think about this! We must try to take the messages of The Three Weeks to heart, and hopefully, B'Ezras Hashem, put them into action.
I will try to, B'Ezras Hashem Yisbarech, follow up this post at a later date with a post on Tisha B'Av. And I sincerely hope that all these things help.
Have a wonderful day!
Refoel Berel
1 Stone Edition Chumash, Parshas Beshalach. Artscroll/Mesorah Publications© Ltd.
Thanks for commenting on my Sfas Emes blog and thank your for your kind words. They are much appreciated. Have a Good Shabbos!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome Reb Tokayer! The Chassidus is just awesome. And Yashar Koiach for spreading all that Torah! Hashem should help you always spread more!
DeleteHave a wonderful Shabbos!
Refoel Berel