Thank you for your detailed answer. Another point on the subject of Taanis Chalom on Shabbos.
Rashi on 31b (D''H "Shel Sheevim Shana'') says that this fasting on Shabbos has such effectiveness because he is fasting while everyone else is enjoying Oneg Shabbos. Somehow, this deprivation has a significant influence. But why does Hash-m value this that he deprive himself and suffer thereby, especially when a mitzva is involved.
And since this is so, can deprivation in other ways effect a kapara in other situations? One example will suffice although this can be extrapolated to many situations. I know parents with a handicapped child who cannot function normally, besides not observe mitzvos, and they have the discomfort to observe other families (eg. in shul) who don't have this disadvantage. These people also feel deprived. Will they have certain spiritual (or other) benefits from this, of course, assuming that they have done what they can to improve the situation? Is this another example of the sense of deprivation that Rashi was speaking of?
Thank you.
Yitzchok Gesser
The theme that the reward for deprivation is greater when in the presence of others who do not deprive themselves is, I believe, a common one. In fact, you recently had such a Gemara in Berachos 4a "David said, 'Am I not a Chasid? While all other kings are sitting in attendance of their courts, I dirty my hands with unborn fetuses to be Metaher a woman to her husband.'"
I think that this is the same theme as the Rashi in the beginning of Noach, that Noach could not compare to Avraham, who was steadfast in his Emunah in the face of so many sworn idolaters. But neither of these show that a person who unwillingly has to bear a deprivation that they were born with, and did not accept upon themselves. Nevertheless, it is clear that one who has to work harder in order to accomplish what others accomplish with ease is rewarded a greater reward for his efforts: see Mishnah end of Pirkei Avos (l'Fum Tza'ara Agra) and Vilna Gaon in Kol Eliyahu #203.
Best wishes, Mordecai
(Sorry for the delay in our reply)