A taanis isn\u2019t something one looks forward to. Despite our hopes of weight loss, fasting never seems to do the trick; instead, we more than amply make up for a day\u2019s intake shortly thereafter.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s obvious that every fast day has deep meanings, with each such event playing a vital role in the eternal formula that makes up the Torah universe.<\/p>\n
Asara Beteves has a unique difference, one not widely known but worthy of our understanding. The Abudraham teaches that Asara Beteves never falls on Shabbos, but if it did, then we would fast, although such is not the norm. Even when Tisha B\u2019Av falls on Shabbos, we don\u2019t fast. Instead, it is postponed till Sunday. So why would we fast on Shabbos if it were Asarah Beteves?<\/p>\n
Rav Elimielich Beiderman cites a Chasam Sofer that explains: We don\u2019t fast for the past, but we are permitted to fast for the future. He brings the example of a Taanis Chalom (a fast to annul a bad dream) which is permitted on Shabbos. The purpose of the Taanis Chalom is to rectify the future so that the bad dream won’t transpire, hence its permissibility on Shabbos Kodesh. The Chasam Sofer says that the fast of Asarah Beteves is also for the future. He explains that every year on this day Shomayim considers whether the Beis Hamikdosh will be rebuilt this year or if our golus will continue. It was on this day that Nevuchadnezzer laid siege to Yerusholayim which was the first in the series of events that concluded with the destruction of the Beis Hamikdosh. That first step was when the destruction was decreed so on this day, every year, Shomayim decides whether the golus will continue, or if the Beis Hamikdosh will be rebuilt. From this we see a vital fact: for us to hope for change we must rectify the very beginnings.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to create an atmosphere of peace amongst one another, an understanding that we are all individuals with our own role in this world\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The fundamental cause of the destruction of the Beis Hamikdosh was sinus chinim and envy, the root cause of which is a lack of acceptance that everything we have in life is through Hashem. Nothing happens by chance, and everything we are meant to have will be ours. No one can take from you that which is meant to be yours, Hashem has planned everything and knows where you are. Being jealous, feeling that someone else has taken that which is yours is not only futile but soul destroying. We have to learn to have real faith in Hashem and live life with a reality that speaks to this understanding.<\/p>\n
People carry grudges for years because they believe someone has hurt them. The truth is that it was Hashem\u2019s plan for you to have that particular trial, and the other person was Hashem\u2019s tool for His divine plan. Yes, the other fellow was wrong, but that is his cheshban with Hashem. For your part you have no reason to harbour anger towards him.<\/p>\n
In parshas Vayechi we see Yosef\u2019s brothers saying \u201cPerhaps Yosef will bear hatred towards us, and repay us for all the evil that we did him.\u201d Yosef replies: \u201cFear not, for am I in Hashem\u2019s place? Although you intended to do me bad, Hashem intended it for good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yosef is articulating an eternal truth: everything comes from Hashem. We have no idea why or what Hashem\u2019s plan is but we are all players in this eternal pageant called life.<\/p>\n
The destruction of the Beis Hamikdosh, and the darkness of the golus we are still in stems from a monumental human mistake. Some believe somewhere in their minds that events are caused by others actions.
\nA true believer knows that nothing nor anyone can change that which Hashem has decreed. Everything we live with, every challenge along the way, is given to us for our individual good. We each have a tikun in this world, something that can\u2019t be fulfilled by any other soul. Life\u2019s events bring us opportunities to fulfill that tikun, and only through such fulfillment can we bring ourselves to true peace.<\/p>\nThe Chofetz Chaim tells us that when our time in this mortal world ends and our souls will be brought in front of the Kisei Hakovod we will hear just two words, Ani Hashem! (I am Hashem) and every question, every fear will be answered.<\/p>\n
So on Asara Beteves we should redouble our personal focus on these eternal truths. We need to create an atmosphere of peace amongst one another, an understanding that we are all individuals with our own role in this world. There is no need for jealousy, or for senseless hatred. If we can internalize these truths, making them part of our real lives, then the fast day will certainly bring a change for the future, hopefully with the rebuilding of all that has been destroyed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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