As we prepare for Tisha B’av it’s good to keep in mind some of the Rebbe’s central ideas as they apply to the Avodah and devotions of the day.
As we recite Kinnos, many of us feel a level of disconnect. Intellectually we all understand somewhat the idea that we are in exile, awaiting redemption. We may even know how it applies to our own, personal exile and redemption. But our heart still remains very far from our mind and what we are saying. Therefore, we may wonder, what are my Kinnos really worth?
However, we must realize that this entire world is run with Divine Providence on every little detail. Of course, we much each certainly try our best to arouse within ourselves some sort of feeling of mourning, and to connect with the Kinnos. But if we are unsuccessful, we must believe that it’s Hashem’s Will that I serve Him like this.
I must believe that even my Kinnos, in the year 2009, with my lack of feelings, are also a part of the mourning of Klal Yisroel. Whatever little bit I can muster, I’ve accomplished so much. I shouldn’t give up on what I can do, just because I can’t do as much as I would have liked.
On the contrary, this alone is something to mourn for, and I can make my own personal lament out of it. I can turn to God and say; see how deep I’ve fallen into Galus, that I can’t even get myself to feel any sorrow over it.
May Hashem help us that this should be our last Tisha B’Av in Galus,with the speedy coming of Moshiach.
Written by Ephraim Portnoy
© Copyright 2009 Breslov Research Institute
