Joy and Mourning Together

Rav Moshe Teitelbaum of Ujhel, author of the Yismach Moshe, told that in his younger years he was troubled by the constant joy of the chassidim, since the Shulchan Aruch (1:3) rules that it is fitting for every God-fearing person to be troubled over the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash. On his way to the Chozeh he prayed silently that the true path in this matter would become clear to him, trusting that a tzaddik can be the agent who helps one who seeks to purify himself (Yoma 38b). When he entered, the Chozeh said with divine intuition, "Why has your face fallen? Although the Shulchan Aruch rules that one should always worry over the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, Chazal already taught (Esther Rabbah 9:1) that a wise man keeps a happy face and hides his grief in his heart. Believe me, when I say Tikkun Chatzos my eyes shed rivers of tears, yet I am still happy. I learned this from my rebbe, Rav Shmelke of Nikolsberg, who taught me a parable. A great king was exiled, and in his wanderings he came to the home of a beloved friend to rest. The friend was torn between sadness at seeing his king in exile and joy at the chance to host him personally." The Chozeh explained, "At the very moment that I mourn the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, I rejoice that the Shechinah is here with me, as it says, 'Come and weep at night . . . opposite the countenance of Hashem' (Eichah 2:19)."