As we prepare to usher in the period of "The Three Weeks", between Shiva Asar B'Tammuz and Tisha B'Av, our attention is turned to the sad events which transpired during these days at different times in Jewish history. The Mishnah in Taanis lists five tragic events which befell the Jewish people on Shiva Asar B'Tammuz, and five different ones which took place on Tisha B'Av. These events span the period of history from the year of Yetzias Mitzrayim and Mattan Torah through the generations following the destruction of the second Bais HaMikdash. Unfortunately, more terrible events can be added to this list based on things that have happened since the days of the Mishnah.

And yet, we today, who live in relative calm, prosperity and security, sometimes find it difficult to experience the feeling of mourning that Chazal clearly want us to experience during this time of year. What should we really be thinking about as we observe the halachos of The Three Weeks, The Nine Days and finally of Tisha B'Av itself? What should we be trying to accomplish by fasting on Shiva Asar B'Tammuz and on Tisha B'Av? How can we relate these historical events to our contemporary lives?

One approach may perhaps be found by examining the words of the Rambam at the beginning of Hilchos Taaniyos. The Rambam says that one key lesson of any tragic event is the understanding that everything happens because Hashem has willed it. There are no accidents or chance occurrences. If something bad takes place, it is because Hashem is sending a message. And the way to stop the anguish is to recognize what must be done to draw ourselves closer to Hashem. Commemorating the national calamities which befell our people during these three weeks gives us a chance to reflect on other occasions when things do not go smoothly, whether personally or communally, and to realize that we must elevate ourselves from the depths of despair by seeking out Hashem. Perhaps the very fact that we live today in relative comfort and safety can remind us that despite the many tragedies that have befallen our nation, we can overcome adversity, with Hashem's help. As a nation, we are still here, strong and successful, albeit for the moment, in Golus. And as individuals, we can achieve great success both materially and spiritually.

Let us approach the coming days of mourning with an eye towards understanding from them that Hashem controls everything, and that we need to call out to Him to assist us and enable us to continue to survive, as individuals and as a Jewish community, with an ever increasing awareness of the role Hashem plays in our everyday lives. May Hashem turn these sad days around for us into days of joy and celebration b'meheirah v'yameinu.