When I was younger, I used to live 30 minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure. During my high school years, my family bought Season Passes for the family. I haven’t visited the park in over 15 years, probably closer to 20 years. For some strange reason, this past week I decided to pull up a map and see what attractions still existed from when I last visited. I was amazed… there were maybe five rides that were still there. Many of my favorites, including what was formerly the tallest, fastest roller coaster in the world: the Great American Scream Machine, are no longer there.

When I learned about the Scream Machine being destroyed, I did not cry. I was not upset. I did not mourn. So, I began wondering: why am I mourning over a building that was destroyed 2,000 years ago? Why am I not shaving for three weeks? Why can’t I listen to music for three weeks? Starting next Friday, why can’t I go swimming until after Tisha B’Av? I went on the Scream Machine numerous times… I never went to the Bais HaMikdash (at least during this lifetime). So, why am I in a period of mourning now?

The answer is the destruction of Scream Machine was just a structure in history. I enjoyed the ride (going through 7 loops and over 55 miles per hour), but now that it’s gone, it’s okay, because we have stuff to replace it. There are new roller coasters which are also great experiences. (Actually, I could care less about the replacements because I get dizzy and sick on roller coasters now, but let’s imagine I’m 20 years younger and still enjoy having my feet over my head while going at crazy speeds and heights.)

The Bais HaMikdash, though, has no replacement. Yes, we do have shuls but they are not the same. The Bais HaMikdash was more than a place to pray or bring offerings. It was Hashem’s house. It was having a relationship with Hashem. We had a connection with Hashem that cannot be matched. This is why we are mourning.

It would be nice to have the Great American Scream Machine back, but now there’s newer, faster, higher, more looping roller coasters, so we no longer need this particular roller coaster. This is with almost everything in this world. But the Bais HaMikdash was not just a place… it was a relationship that cannot be replaced. Therefore, we mourn and hope for the day when the precious Bais HaMikdash is rebuilt and we once again have that close relationship with Hashem. May this time of mourning speedily be turned into a time of great happiness.

Good Shabbos!
-y.e.s.
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