<div>Daniel Eidensohn points out that the Teshuvah element may be stronger than the Aveilus element in the Three Weeks, since Aveilus does not require that we feel sad and yet we find sadness as a running theme in Torah regarding this period.
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<div>It seems clear that Teshuvah is a major theme; after all, the Mishneh Berurah 549:1 says that this is the theme of our taaniyos.</div>
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<div>However, perhaps another root of the bein hametzarim practices is a fulfillment of Zecher l'Mikdash, which the gemara (RH 30a) traces to "Tziyon he, doreish ein lah" - we are obligated to be doreish (to seek out) Tziyon. Of course, zecher l'mikdash could also be external and action-based, but the concept of being "doreish" sounds stronger than that.
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<div>Be well,</div>
<div>Mordechai</div><br>-- <br>Please note my new email address: <a href="mailto:torczyner@gmail.com">torczyner@gmail.com</a><br><br>Congregation Sons of Israel, Allentown, PA <a href="http://www.sonsofisrael.net">http://www.sonsofisrael.net
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