The Gemara (Talmud Bavli) explains that the 2nd
Beit HaMikdash was destroyed to due Sinat
Hinam (hatred between brothers, meaning hatred without a purpose to other
Jews). Forget about hatred between Jews and non-Jews! The reason why the last
Bet HaMikdash was destroyed because of hatred within ourselves! We worry so
much about outdoing the other Jew sitting next to us, whether us being from
Background X and him from Background Y, we forget how much hatred there is
towards us on a global setting from all the anti-Semites!
On the other hand, the Gemara teaches that Ahavat Hinam is the correction that is
up to us to do in order to bring the Geula closer and have Penei Mashiach
arrive. This is directly linked to the time period we are in, ben hametzarim. Besides for the everyday
things we are told to do by the Shulhan Aruch that relate to the moruning of
the Bet HaMikdash and its destruction on a daily basis(main set of books that
teach practical Halacha for today,
written over 500 years ago), these three weeks are the ultimate time of
mouring. The mourning period escalates as we get closer to Tisha B’Av. Tomorrow
night is Rosh Chodesh Av (1st of Av, 8 days before the fast).
There is a story that explains the essence behind Ahavat Hinam (brotherhood love that we
should learn from to do NOW). Rav Yoshiyahu Pinto shlit’a brings this story in
one of his books: There was once a Shamash
(The Rabbi assistant) who used to do everything for a specific Yeshiva/Bet
Midrash. Night/day Rain or shine he used to stand outside and make sure
everything was pleasant and great for all the students and the Rosh Yeshiva
(head Rabbi). One time came along a visitor to the city and paid close
attention to the love the Shamash has for all the people by the Bet Midrash. He
decided to purchase for him a gift, especially one that would fit with the hot
weather outdoors: a marvelous fruit basket. The Shamash took the gift and
thought to himself: I am a simple guy, I don’t need no fruits! The Rosh Yeshiva
is much more worthy to receive this gift! The Rosh Yeshiva saw the gift on his
table and said: Thank G-d I have bread to eat and clothing on my back. I don’t
actually need these fruits. Maybe its more relevant to give these to a Bachur
(Yeshiva slang for a single Torah Student/Scholar) who learns and sacrifices so
much! The student received the grand gift from a Rosh Yeshiva (very big deal)
and an idea bounced to his head: There is that Shamash who stands outside
everyday and literally puts his life on the line for us and the Rabbis, from
morning to evening he does his job without any will for reward. I will give him
the fruits!
Rav Pinto ends the story like this: come out and learn how
strong the love of Ahavat Hinam is between Jews, because it is the foundation
behind everything. B’H we should become more caring and loving to all the
people around us, and take out all the hatred!
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