“That is why we are able to be consoled at the height of our grief. The very burning of the Bais HaMikdash symbolizes the reason why we are able to be consoled. For in that sense the burning Temple symbolizes G-d’s unyielding love for us.”
When Reb Levi Yitzchok concluded his narrative, the innkeeper stopped crying, and then he got up and began to dance. Reb Levi Yitzchok joined him and they sang and danced together. One of the other guests at the inn was awakened by the noise and went to investigate. The sight that greeted him was astounding. He asked the innkeeper why he was dancing with the Rebbe in the middle of the night. The innkeeper smiled and replied, “Why do you think we are dancing? We are dancing because G-d destroyed the Bais HaMikdash!”[5]
The Shabbos following Tisha B’Av is titled Shabbos Nachamu – the Shabbos of Consolation. The opening words of the haftarah read, “Nachamu, Nachamu Ami – Console! Console My People!” Despite all we have suffered and all of the difficulties and pains people suffer from, we take solace in the knowledge that G-d’s love for us is boundless and unconditional. In addition, we wear “our yellow stars” as banners of pride for we know that we are part of an eternal people who will ultimately prevail and persevere. No other nation can feel consolation in the tragedy itself as we do, for we know that we are part of a Master Plan.
We await the ultimate consolation when G-d will abolish tears and pain forever, and the whole world will recognize the undeniable truth: “On that day, G-d will be One, and His Name will be One.”
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[1] Devarim 5:5
[2] Berachos 61b, 54b
[3] Special prayers recited for the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash, to mourn for the Divine Presence which is in exile. It is customarily recited at midnight.
[4]On Tisha B’Av morning we symbolize the loss of our pride in the exile and so we do not wear Talis and Tefillin, which represent that pride.
[5] Heard from Rabbi Pinchos Idstein, Head Counselor of Camp Dora Golding