The Shulhan Aruch (Orah Haim 1) writes that it is proper for every G-d-fearing person to feel distressed and distraught over the destruction of the Bet Ha’mikdash (listen to audio recording for precise citation). Each day, it is proper to take some time to feel pained over the fact that we do not have the Bet Ha’mikdash. However, the Mishna Berura (Rav Yisrael Meir Kagan of Radin, 1839-1933) adds that although one should feel distraught over the Temple’s absence, one’s prayer and Torah learning should be done with joy (listen to audio recording for precise citation). The anxiety and distress we should feel over the destruction should not be experienced while we stand before G-d in prayer or study His Torah, for it says, "Ibdu Et Hashem Be’simha" – "Serve G-d joyfully."
One might wonder why we should not feel distraught over the loss of the Mikdash while we pray and learn. Should we not be concerned that we do not have a Bet Ha’mikdash while we pray to the Almighty? And should it not upset us that we must learn Torah without the Mikdash?
Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869), in Ru’ah Haim (17), explains by noting the Gemara’s comment that our daily prayer services were instituted to correspond with the sacrifices in the Bet Ha’mikdash. The morning Shaharit prayer corresponds to the morning Tamid offering; the afternoon Minha prayer corresponds to the afternoon Tamid; and the Arbit prayer corresponds to the fats and organs that were burned on the altar throughout the night. The Gemara further comments (Berachot 32b) that prayer is even greater and more powerful than the Korbanot. As such, there is no need while praying to feel distraught over the loss of the Bet Ha’mikdash, because at that time we are engaged in something even greater – Tefila. Likewise, the Gemara states in Masechet Menahot (110) that one who involves himself in Torah is considered as though he offers sacrifices. Hence, when studying Torah, too, one has no reason to feel upset over the Temple’s destruction, as we are at that time involved in something just as powerful and meaningful – Torah learning.
Summary: It is proper to spend some time each day feeling anxious and distraught over the absence of the Bet Ha’mikdash, but during prayer and Torah study we should feel joyous and not feel distressed.
