In the Zohar HaKodosh, daf 230 the inyonim of Ketores, the Beis HaMikdash, and tefilloh are discussed. The Ketores as offered in the Beis HaMikdash had the power to sweeten all the Dinim (harsh judgements), and this was one reason it was offered. The Zohar further states that the Ketores was a great joy to offer, and it was also only brought in such a state. In order to get even close to this level of a Tikkun, we have to daven Mincha with great kavonno, even more than in the morning, since in the morning we’re more naturally happy it’s easier to daven properly. The Beis HaMikdash is even referred to in the word בראשית, through the first letter “Beis,” meaning “house.” Hashem created the world with Chesed like it says in the posuk, and the Beis HaMikdash is related to Binah. How are these two ideas connected? According to the Masok Midvash the Beis HaMikdash is connected with Hashem’s aspect of Imah Iloah (Elevated Mother), which is the sefirah of Binah; Binah channels the Chamisha Chasodim (Five Cheseds) of the Feminine polarity to Zair Anpin, the sefirah of Tiferes and the six sefiros from Chesed-Yesod. Therefore, the Beis HaMikdash was the channel for the forces needed for the world to exist.
Now that there is no Beis HaMikdash, at least not here below, all we can do is daven for it. It says in the Gemoro that one who studies the halochos of the various korbanos (sarifices) and those of the Beis HaMikdash, it is as if they have alone brought the sacrifice or built the Beis HaMikdash. In our current time without Moshiach or Beis HaMikdash, and while there are difficult circumstances, it is clear we all need to spend time learning these halochos. The Baal Ateres Tzvi zy’a brings from the Ari z’l that it’s a huge mitzvah to say the whole Parshas HaKetores with a minyan, slowly, and with kavonno. Many other tzaddikim speak of the power of this to nullify harsh decrees and sweeten Dinim. I believe the Lubavitcher rebbe zt’l said in one of his Sichos that everyone needs to learn Hilchos Avodah in the Mishneh Torah of the Rambam. Along those lines, I encourage everyone to learn a perek of Mishnayos Kodshim every day, at least until Tisha B’Av to understand more what we have lost, as well as to be considered as building the Beis HaMikdash and doing the Korbanos.
Hashem should bentsh us that this will be our last Shiva Asar B’Tammuz in Golus, we should merit to the Geulah Shleimah, and to rebuild the Beis HaMikdash even before Tisha B’Av.
Yismach Lev 