Taanis 13

The Gemara cites the opinion of Rabbi Chanina Segan HaKohanim who maintains that it is worth it for the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash that even one who requires immersion not immerse in a hot mikveh on Tisha B’Av.

Regarding one who is weak and has difficulty fasting on Tisha B’Av, the Mishna Berura (Orach Chaim 554:51) writes that nonetheless, it is worth it for one to be distressed over the Bais Hamikdash at least once a year. Indeed, the Shulchan Aruch (Ibid 1:3) writes that a G-d fearing person should be distressed and worried over the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash. While it is difficult in our contemporary society to fathom the importance of the Bais HaMikdash, we can rely on the Shulchan Aruch as we do regarding all Halacha and take the time to think about our loss throughout the year.

The Gemara (30b) states that one who mourns Yerushalayim will merit seeing its joy and one who does not mourn Yerushalayim will not merit seeing its joy. Merely the knowledge that we will soon merit the joy of Yerushalayim and the Bais HaMikdash rebuilt should inspire us to mourn the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash properly, and then HaShem will console us with the greatest joy, with the arrival of Moshiach Tzidkenu, speedily, in our days.

Beitzah 9

The Gemara cites a dispute regarding a rabbinic prohibition that was instituted because performing the act may give the impression that one is violating a biblical prohibition. One opinion maintains that such an act is even prohibited in private quarters. One reason offered for this stringency is because a person performing the act in private quarters may be observed unknowingly. Alternatively, we are concerned that if he performs this act in private, he may come to perform the act in public.

In the beginning of Shulchan Aruch, the Rema quotes the Rambam in Moreh Nevuchim, the Guide to the Perplexed (3:52), who writes that ones actions in his private quarters are not the same as when he is before a king. Yet, a person should realize that he is before the King of kings, and HaShem observes all his actions, as it is said can a man hide in concealments and I will not see him, says HaShem When a person is cognizant that HaShem is constantly observing his actions, then he will fear HaShem and humble himself before Him, and he will be constantly ashamed before HaShem. Thus, besides the Halacha of not performing an act which may give the appearance of a wrongdoing, one should be meticulous in all his actions, because HaShem is always observing him.