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This very principle is embodied by the prophet Yeshayahu in the Shiva de-Nechemta when speaking of the destruction: "…Jerusalem, who has drunk the cup of wrath from G-d's hand" (Is 51:17). The prophet alludes to the destruction as coming directly from Hashem. The destruction of the Temple and the subsequent exile and tribulations of the Jewish people were not the result of international politics or tactical warfare. They were directly applied by Hashem as a form of punishment for our actions. The Gemara elaborates on this theme when describing the advance of the Roman leader Nero who comes to the selfsame realization years later. Nero understands that he is not really the one initiating the destruction; it is Hashem who has decided to destroy the (second) Temple and he is merely the agent [upon which he abandons the attack and eventually converts to Judaism. Gittin 56a].
At first glance this seems terrible: Hashem is inflicting destruction and pain on His own people! Yet as explained above, He does this out of love and caring for us. The Midrash tells us (Eicha Rabba) that we can rejoice on Tisha Be-Av because Hashem took out his anger on wood and stones (i.e. destroyed the building), rather than on His people. So even in the "slap" that Hashem gives us, there is a measure of his relationship with us. This is similar again to the father who might hit his son who ran into the road, because he loves him and wants him to be safe, as opposed to the neighbor's son whom you might only tell off, since you care less for him.
The end result is one of comfort emanating from the destruction itself. We realize that there is Someone in charge who is orchestrating all events – and all for the ultimate good of Am Yisrael. It is Rabbi Akiva himself who encapsulates this when he laughs upon seeing a fox leaving the ruined temple while the other Rabbis cry (Makkot 24b). Upon being questioned by his companions he replies that he sees the Hand of G-d in the destruction and that strengthens his belief in the hand of G-d that will be active in the rebuilding.
A further allusion to this can be found in Tehillim Chapter 23: שבטך ומשענתך המה ינחמוני Your comfort for us stems from both your "mishenet", which is a walking stick used for support, as well as your "shevet" – a stick used for hitting. Even when we're getting "hit" we realize that it stems from Hashem's love for us.
Rabbi Hillel Maizels
The Rabbi of Kehillat Ohel Efraim in the city of Ariel of "Bet Shalom" Shul in the Ariel University.
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Kibutz Galuyot and Self Hatred
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 2
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Hester Panim, Exile and Redeption
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 6
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Is Redemption Fixed or Flexible
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 1
The Seven Weeks of Condolence God's Punishment and Comfort are our Support
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 4
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Is Redemption Fixed or Flexible
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 1
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Kibutz Galuyot and Self Hatred
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 2
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
