We are now in the middle of "the Three Weeks," a period of mourning over the destruction of both the First and Second Holy Temples. It's a difficult subject to tackle as the loss is overwhelming. Where do we start? The horrific loss of human life? The subsequent trials of a long, cruel exile? The termination of our connection to G‑dliness that came through the Temple services? Can we even conceptualize the G‑dliness that was revealed inside the Temple enough for us to properly mourn for it today?
The destruction of the Beis HaMikdash was not just a Jewish tragedy. Gentiles also prayed, offered sacrifices, and received blessings in the Temple. As the Prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "I will bring them to My holy mount, and I will cause them to rejoice in My house of prayer, their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon My altar, for My house shall be called a house of prayer for ALL peoples" (56:7).
The windows of Hashem's House had an unusual quality. Generally, windows are constructed to bring in as much natural light as possible. The windows of the Beis HaMikdash, however, were constructed in the opposite direction. They were designed in order that the G‑dly light from inside the Beis HaMikdash could shine to the outside world.
Through the recent events of this year we have received a perhaps unwanted glimpse into the window of the destruction of the two Holy Temples.
On Lag B'Omer, we watched in horror as news flooded in of the martyrs who perished in Meron at the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in the midst of such a joyous celebration. 45 dead, 150+ injured.
Then just a few weeks later, on the holiday of Shavuos, bleachers collapsed in a synagogue near Jerusalem. 2 dead, 160+ injured.
And last week, we watched the collapse of the Surfside Champlain Towers South in Miami and the rubble that was left behind. 54+ dead, 80+ missing and presumed dead.
These events, which unfolded in front of our eyes, each involve three things: a joyous occasion turned tragedy, a collapsing structure, and the unity that comes from shared grief.
Since everything that we see and hear is through Divine Providence, we can utilize these experiences to further understand what we are mourning for.
Or conversely, what we are collectively yearning for: the building of the Third Beis HaMikdash, which will never be destroyed.
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In Memory of Rabbi Chaim Dovid Nota Wichnin, z"l.
