Bs”d
Tisha B’Av (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In the tragic episode that led up to the churban we have the Kamtza-Bar Kamtza affair. In the puzzle of on who to put the major blame or guilt there is a major aspect which is overlooked. The host, who refused to accept Bar Kamtza as a guest and embarrassed him publicly, thus igniting his rash temper, has a pretty full share in the guilt. But why was this host so infuriated at Bar Kamtza that brought him to such an exaggerated response. Normal human behavior would not call for such an outrageous, extreme reaction.
The part which is relatively unknown and overlooked is that Bar Kamtza was guilty of speaking lashon hara, spreading slander, about the host. This opens our eyes to an entirely new aspect and perspective about the horrible episode. The devastation and utter destruction that lashon hara, slander, causes the victim, and its creation of complete havoc to his life. It destroys his relationship with his wife, his children, family and all those in his sphere of associates.
Host, you are guilty of plenty, but we can surely relate to your anger at Bar Kamtza.
Lashon Harah with all the destruction that you create you can now add the churban Bais HaMikdash to your list.
Have a meaningful Tisha B’av and may we see the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash speedily in our days.