During this period of the year, we often focus on the destruction of Yerushaliyim. However, one of the other tragedies that hit us on Tisha B'Av, occurred fifty-two years later, when the city of Beitar was destroyed, along with all of her inhabitants.
Like Yerushaliyim, there was an underlying spiritual reason, and specific events that triggered the destruction.
The Gemara (Yerushalmi, Taanis 4:5) records: While Yerushaliyim was still standing, the corruption was, unfortunately, rampant. When people would come to Yerushaliyim to visit, especially for the Chagim, scammers would stop them, interrogate them, and then forge documents of sale, stating that the visitor sold his property to the scammers. It became so bad, that people from Beitar would actually have remorse for having to go to Yerushaliyim for the Chagim. The hatred, which is certainly understandable, that Beitar had for Yerushaliyim was so thick, that when Yerushaliyim was destroyed, Beitar lit candles in celebration. However, the Gemara notes, "They too did not come out well—‘One who rejoices at another's calamity will not go unpunished.’"
It's a very difficult concept to internalize, not to celebrate the downfall of another Jew. Especially, when they might have done something so horrific. But we must understand that there is a difference to be relieved that one's tormentor is no longer tormenting them, and actually being happy to their utter destruction.
One of the 'triggers' given for the destruction is related in Gitten 57a. It was a tradition back then, when a girl was born, they would plant a type of cypress tree. When a boy was born, they would plant a cedar tree. And when they would marry, both trees would be cut down and used to make a wedding canopy. Once, Caesar's daughter was travelling nearby and her chariot broke down. Her servants cut down one of these trees to fix the chariots, which in turn, enraged the citizens of Beitar, who attacked and killed the servants. When news of the incident arrived to Caesar, so did the additional "news": "The Jews of Beitar are rebelling".
Here we see the importance of not acting out solely based off emotions. Those in Beitar… well… simply put, over reacted. A tree was cut down. Yes, for the family, it's painful, since it's something that they have been growing for a very specific reason. But, had those same people thought things out, they would never have attacked the Caesar's daughter's entourage, and would have averted their own, needless, destruction.
I think this last lesson is very appropriate not only in the very-politically-sensitive United States, but also here in Israel, where in many areas, we are becoming increasingly “politically violent” with words and laws.
May this be the last Tisha B’Av spent in exile.
p.s. With the "Great Summer 'Vacation'" at hand, I do not know my schedule for the next three weeks. Please pray that I should survive it :)