...always watching out for us, no matter how bleak things look. That is why Devarim is usually read at this time. (Avodas Yisrael, Devarim)
Focusing on Hashem’s kindness specifically during challenging times brings a closeness with Hashem. As the Shlah writes (Haggadah Shel Pesach)” recounting Hashem’s miracles forms a special closeness with Him, and all barriers are removed!’ So, one mustn’t think that since we are in such a long dark exile the Shechinah is distant from us. Really the Shechinah is very accessible to all of us. As Chazal (Megillah 29a) teach, when we were exiled, the Shechinah went into exile with us, and will return with us during the geulah.
Even when we are forced into exile, Hashem is right here with us, holding our hand each step of the way. In the krias haTorah of Tishah Be’av, which foretells how Klal Yisrael will sin and be exiled, the verse says, “for Hashem Your G-D is a Merciful G-D, He will not abandon you or destroy you”. (Devarim 4:31)
Rashi explains “He will not abandon you,’ means, ‘from holding your hand.’ Therefore, it is very suitable that we read this on Tishah Be’av, since when we cry, Hashem is so to speak crying with us and it is a great time of closeness. In fact, Rav Pinchas of Koritz teaches, when we sit on the ground during Tisha Be’av, the Shechinah sits together with us! It is a special Eis Ratzon when we can pray for whatever we are lacking! The Shechinah, so to speak, joins in our mourning. After all, Hashem continues to yearn for us and for the day we will finally be redeemed. Imrai Pinchas, Tisha Be’av 380
It is clear that Hashem has been ‘holding our hand’ throughout this long galus. When we think about it, it is really mindboggling Throughout our history, many mighty nations have tried to destroy us. The Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, Germans: the list goes on and on. Yet, where are they nowadays? Miraculously, the Jewish nation is still here and thriving! We are fortunate to have many strong Torah communities with flourishing Torah institutions, Shuls etc. The Chovos HaLevavos (Shaar Bechina ch.5) writes that the fact that our nation has survived and thrived amongst the nations of the world throughout such a long exile is even more miraculous than Yetzias Mitzrayim!
In fact, Rav Chaim Freedlander explains that this is one reason why Tishah Be’Av is referred to as a Moed. On Tisha Be’av we contemplate the fact that the Jewish nation has survived such a long exile and numerous attempts of our enemies to wipe us out. When we reflect on these tremendous miracles, we will be filled with comfort and hope for the geulah (Sifsai Chaim Moadim vol.3 p.295). Therefore, even now Tishah Be’Av has the status of a moed, somewhat: therefore, we do not say tachanun.
Another important idea to contemplate as we approach Tishah Be’Av is that our mourning actually helps rebuild the Beis HaMikdash. As the Chasam Sofer teaches, “The tears we shed over Yerushalayim are its building blocks; our tears and mourning are another brick in the Beis Hamikdash! This helps us understand why many of the berachos we recite discussing the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash such as Boneh Yerushalayim or Hamahazir Shechinaso letzion are in the present tense. It is a process that is happening as we speak, through our mourning. The more we strengthen our yearning and longing for the Beis Hamikdash, the more we hasten the geulah!
The Chazon Ish was attending a simchah where the band was playing a stirring tune for Yibaneh Hamikdash for a very long time. Someone asked the Chazon Ish if it was disturbing him and he should ask them to stop. The Chazon Ish replied, but they are building the Beis Hamikdash’. It was not the manner of the Chazon Ish to be sarcastic. Rather, he meant that when people sing Yibaneh Hamikdash, it is a fervent emotional prayer for the building of the Beis Hamikdash and this tefillah helps build it!
