Q. We learned recently in the daf that there is no Meila (a korban brought when someone unlawfully benefited from Hekdesh or the holiness of the Beis Hamidash or the sacrifices therein), when benefiting only from the pleasantness of Kol, Mareh, Vereiach (voice or music, the sights and the odor), yet it is still prohibited. How then did the millions of people, men, women and children enter and the Beis Hamikdash and without doubt enjoyed the beautiful music, the incredible sights and the most pleasant smells all the Yamim Tovim there?
A. Rambam (H. Meilah ) Indeed rules as you mentioned, and adds that although there is no meila on kol, mareh, vereiach, it remains prohibited to enjoy them. It could be that the people during those holy times, were well trained to enjoy the beauty and pleasantness of the Bais Hamikdosh in a spiritual way. Concentrating on the overpowering kedusha and holiness one felt when being in the House of Hashem and feeling His presence.
It is likely that their minds were overtaken by those spiritual feeling. That kind of spiritual pleasure, simcha and joy, even when sparked from the voice or music, the sights and the odor, would have been not only permitted but also desired.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
