The Three Weeks

MOURNING THE BEIS HAMIKDASH

During these three weeks, we mourn the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish People; first and foremost, the loss of the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Tample). A mourner is sad because he has experienced a loss. In order for us to mourn, we have to realize what we have lost. The Talmud (Tractate Sukkah 51b) writes, "one who has not seen the Beis HaMikdash has never seen a majestic building." Let us try to recall the most magnificent building we have ever seen. The Beis HaMikdash was infinitely more beautiful. It was much more than an awesome structure. It was the focal point of a whole different world.

The family is hurriedly preparing for their thrice annual trip to Jerusalem to the Beis HaMikdash.

Come children, it is almost Pesach. Hurry and pack up, we are going to Jerusalem to the Beis HaMikdash!

But I will miss my friends Heshy and Yankel.

Don't worry they will be going too, along with all of our friends, family and neighbors. Won't it be crowded there in Jerusalem?

Wait until you get there. You will see one of G-d's miracles. No matter how many people will come, there will always be room for everyone in Jerusalem.

The excitement mounts as they approach the Holy City.

I see the Beis HaMikdash off in the distance! Look at that, the wind is blowing very strongly. Even so, the column of smoke rising from the altar is not being blown by the wind at all! What a miracle!

When we get closer, you will see a fire that even the heaviest rains cannot extinguish. Look, there are Heshy, there's Yankel, and there's Uncle Abe! What a beautiful sight to see everyone coming to Jerusalem!

Here we are now in the courtyard of the Beis HaMikdash. Everyone is standing crowded together. The next part of the service requires us to lie down. What will we do? Where will we have room? Look at that, a miracle! There is plenty of room for everyone to lie down.

May we all merit to properly mourn the Beis HaMikdash and therefore be present to rejoice in its rebuilding.

A traveler comes to a fork in the road and does not know how to get to his destination. Two men are at the fork in the road. One of them always tells the truth, and the other one always lies. He may ask the men one question to find his way. What question does the man ask these men?

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