Reply To: Default Setting for the Neshama

“Was there simcha when Bais Rishon was being destroyed? Baid Sheini? Should there have been?”

i imagine, yes to some extent with certain great people.

did not Rabbi Akiva laugh when he saw the foxes rummaging through the remnants of the Bais Rishon?

Were they aware of the fact that Hashem’s Wrath was given over to wood and stones as an act of Mercy, and not taken out to it’s full extent on flesh and blood? is this itself not a cause of Simcha

yes, it is a Mitzvah to mourn the Bais HaMikdosh.

it is a Mitzvah to mourn for a parent.

it is also a Mitzvah to see the Yad Hashem, to be Somayach that we have a Tatti in Shamayim, who loves us and EVERYTHING that he does is for our Good.

the matter is subtle and complex and difficult

i think i personally have said enough for now