Hypermikdash
WHAT'S A TEMPLE FOR?
Why do we get so serious about mourning the destruction
of the Temple (Bais Hamikdash)? What is it about that jagged, overgrown
Wall in Jerusalem that attracts our attention; that remains the focal point
of world Judaism? And, most important of all: Why did G-d -
the Creator of everything, the One who lacks nothing and needs no space
within which to "live" - choose to somehow limit Himself and dwell in our
sanctuary?
What does G-d get out of our erecting a Bais
Hamikdash? Nothing. He lacks nothing so there is no way we
can add to His essence. What do we get from having a Bais
Hamikdash? Now that's the question!
While there's more than one way to understand
it, let's assume that we were created basically for our own good.
In this world, we have the opportunity to excel in our single most important
task: serving G-d. As reward for a job well done, we are promised
good things in the next world - the only world where we are capable of
fully appreciating good things. It is, therefore, in our best interest
to ensure that we become as perfect as humanly possible in order not to
miss out on the real reward later.
Simply put, the Bais Hamikdash helps us do
that. On one level, presenting an offering
(korbon) allows us to pick ourselves up after suffering a setback and
redirect and rededicate our lives to the Divine service.
And in another sense, the very presence of
the Bais Hamikdash and the knowledge of what went on there can serve to
inspire us in our service. In
many ways we were closer to G-d while His house was functioning the way
it was meant to.
Aren't these good reasons to mourn the destruction?