As we spend the day mourning the destruction of the first and second holy temples (Beis Hamikdash) and remember the many tragedies that befell our Nation, we need to try and reflect on what we are really missing. Our sages teach us that all of the pain and suffering that we endure is an outgrowth of the destruction of the temple.

What was so special about the Beis Hamikdash? Of course we were able to perform many mitzvoth related to the various offerings which we can no longer perform without the Beis Hamikdash, but there must be much more than that. The Beis Hamikdash was the place in which Hashem's Divine Presence was revealed. It is this revealed connection to the Infinite and All Powerful which we lost. There were constant miracles that took place in the Beis Hamikdash, it was a place which revealed that which was not bound by time or space. Anyone who would go to the Holy Temple could see these miracles and would gain clear perception of G-d's Existence and connection to His People. It was this awareness and clarity which brought tremendous joy and happiness to anyone who experienced it.

With the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, we were plunged into darkness, we lost this clear perception of G-d and struggle with constant confusion and this is the real source of our pain.

May we see the redemption speedily in our day

Heath