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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 Does G-d Care About Us
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 5
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 Hester Panim, Exile and Redeption
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 6
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Rebuilding Jerusalem
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 3
The Seven Weeks of Condolence Does G-d Care About Us
Shiv'a de-Nechemta: The Philosophy of Comfort and Redemption - 5
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
