Discussions over the future of Temple Mount have aroused intense feelings among Jews the world over.
For some, the issue is incredulity that Islam's third holiest site should outweigh the right to retain Judaism's holiest site. For others, it is the challenge to Judaism's profoundest historical memory. For still others, the issue is the violation of an archaeological site that possibly contains the most vivid authentication of Jewish history. And for most everyone else, it is just an intuitive feeling that there is something extremely special about this place.
But then there is another side, which uncomfortably nags us as well. Are a few old rocks worth a war? Do we not look askance at the Serbs and Bosnians that can't stop slaughtering each other on account of centuries-old "historical" and "hallowed" sites? We see them blindly trapped in history, rather than surging forward to a beautiful unencumbered future.
Even at the theological level, we begin to hear some contrary voices: "Judaism is about people, not about things." Or, "Pagans believe in holy rocks and earth; Jews believe in a trans-substantial Divine." Indeed, if Judaism believes in an incorporeal God, shunning icons, paintings and graven images, then why do we cherish this heap of stones?
THE SANCTUARY
At the time of the encounter with God at Mount Sinai, the Jewish people were commanded to make a mikdash, "sanctuary," so that God could dwell among them (Exodus 25:8). This portable structure (containing the Ark of the Covenant) traveled with the Jewish people throughout 40 years in the wilderness, and while they were settling the Land of Israel. Then, some 3,000 years ago, King David built an altar on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem (the site of Isaac's binding and Jacob's dream). And on this spot, David's son Solomon built the first Temple -- making the portable mikdash permanent.
The Temple was called Beit HaMikdash, "the Holy House."
The "house" aspect was reinforced in many ways:
- The furnishings of the Temple itself were a table and a lamp (together with an incense altar).
- The inner sanctum was called chadar mitot, "bedroom" (2 Kings 11:2).
- The outer courtyard served the function of courtyards in those days, such as food preparation, washing, etc.
- The Talmud expresses the Divine bereavement as "Woe my house is destroyed."
What does the concept of "house" mean in relationship to God?
Imagine two separate individuals, "A" and "B." Each has his own circle, A and B respectively. Each has an area that intersects and overlaps with the other. The area where they overlap is the "house." It is the area where two distinct entities find their common denominator. Bet is the Hebrew letter whose numerical value is two. Its literal meaning is "house" -- for a house brings together two elements and includes within itself their commonality.
Thus, a home of marriage includes two people of distinct nature and personality. Those character traits that the spouse finds unbearable are left on the outside, and those elements that are common to both are included and accentuated in the home. As the marriage progresses, both sides divest themselves of offensive behavior, and learn more and more to enjoy their common dreams and goals.
How does this relate to God, man, and the Beit HaMikdash?
God and man are as distinct elements as could be. God is the ultimate spiritual essence, devoid of materiality. Man is (at least superficially) physical material, with a seeming lack of much spirituality.
To solve the problem of the gulf between spirituality and materiality, God created a place in the material world that would serve as a house, where Israel and God could unite their commonality, the Divine soul.
This in essence was Jacob's dream. While running away from his brother Esav, Jacob fell asleep on a mountaintop, which tradition says, was Mount Moriah. He dreamt of a ladder, reaching from the heavens down to the very spot where he was sleeping, as angels ascended and descended upon it. He woke up, awestruck, and exclaimed:
"How awe-inspiring this spot is! This must be God's abode. It is the gate to Heaven." (Genesis 28:17)
The Malbim, a 19th century commentator, remarks on this passage:
Jacob understood that this place was the site of the future Temple... for the Temple is the ladder, whereby heaven and earth kiss each other. Man's worship ascends upward, and the Divine providence descends thereby.
How was the Divine presence manifest in the Temple?
The Talmud (Avot 5:7) states that there were 10 ongoing miracles at the Temple: "No meat rotted, no fly was seen there... the rain did not extinguish the Divine fire, etc." Maimonides states that, in general, miracles are not meant to persist over time. Yet, here was a steady, ongoing set of miracles.
Besides the steady stream of miracles, something about the number of the miracles strikes us as significant. The number 10, as used in Jewish text, represents the totality of a system, much as the number 10 represents the totality of the unit integers.
Indeed, the Talmud lists the 10 miracles at the Temple in the same series as the 10 utterances with which the world was created. Just as the world in its completeness encompasses 10 utterances of God, so does the Temple consist of 10 elements, which compose an entire world.
In other words, the Temple is a "parallel" world, physical in substance, but more refined and God-like. It is a world of meat, but the meat does not rot. It is a world of dampness and rain, which does not extinguish the flame of the altar. As the most physical manifestation of Divine spirit, it is as if God has moved into this "house."
Man, on the other hand, must elevate himself in order to enter this house. He must either dedicate himself to Divine service, as do the kohanim (priests), or must be temporarily on an elevated level of spirituality, as the Jewish people achieved during the festivals through purification and offerings. Thus, man enters the Divine house after bringing out in himself the spark of Godliness, the Divine soul.
The Temple is where the human and the Divine include their points of commonality, and where the two can embrace and unify -- if only for a moment.
This is our collective memory of this awesome place.
And we await tantalizingly for the day when both God and man are ready for that communion again.
Looking at the rocks and ruins from this perspective, we see that their value is not merely "historical." Nor, however, are these rocks imbued with magical powers. Rather, they remind us of the time when this place brought out the best and most beautiful in man, and the most fathomable and concrete of God.
The Temple Mount is far above politics of the right or the left. It is a place where God came closest to revealing himself to humanity in a permanent and tangible manner. And it is a place where man reached the peak of his awesome potential. When these two occurred simultaneously, "heaven and earth kissed." Man and Creator, so to speak, embraced.
The essence of Judaism is that we are a nation tied to God, enacting His moral designs, and thereby seeking to bond with Him.
For reasons known only to Him, one tiny plot of land is where God chooses to reveal as much of the Divine as possible, and to elevate man to the highest peak of spirituality humanly possible. As we pray three times a day, we face this point, knowing that this is the spiritual pole of planet earth.
We are not dealing with mere history and remembrances. We are dealing with our most essential present, and our profoundest hope for the future. This is who we are -- our most important place, the very soul of the nation.
Our remembrance of what the Temple Mount once was should evoke in us a pang of yearning and an elevation of self. Yes, the day will come when we will be beckoned "home" again, when God will again be willing to set up a "home for Divine embrace."
And there will be no bloodshed on that day. For on that day, the world will recognize truth and embrace it.
(35) Sydney, November 19, 2012 5:04 AM
very informative
Powerful revelation indeed.
(34) Anonymous, July 17, 2012 9:05 PM
Reading this article gave me hope
(33) Nia, July 9, 2012 8:49 PM
Beautiful and inspirational. Thank you.
(32) Jacqueline, November 16, 2010 8:17 AM
This was really a good article. It was informative and interesting. Thanks!
(31) debbie, November 16, 2010 8:17 AM
wow
incredible explained. an inspiring and tangible explanation of what we had, what we lost, and of course, what we need. Thank you
(30) Anonymous, November 16, 2010 8:17 AM
Home for the Soul
Rabbi Ahron Lopiansky: Thank you so much for your inspiring article.When we meditate on the meaning of Jacob´s dream, it is very rewarding to know that we also can have or induce the same experience, by transforming our lives and approaching God´s realm, despite the circumstances. Thank you so much. Shalom!
(29) Peter Sauermann, November 16, 2010 8:16 AM
at last an explanation
Thank you for explaining.
(28) Sidney Marques, November 16, 2010 8:16 AM
Excellent
Again excellent. Very well written and explained. Congratulations for an excellent work.
(27) Jake, November 16, 2010 8:15 AM
Great article
This article is an awesome and uplifting explanation of the spirtual link connecting God, the Temple, and the Jewish people.
(26) Frankie Connolly, October 21, 2009 5:09 AM
Absolutely touching!
This piece completely spoke to my soul. I have always thought of the temple as this well talked about image that I could never quite touch entirely because of the time we live in now but now I can see the temple clear and crisp in my mind. Oh how I long for that day of true connection and return with God!
(25) michal cohen, December 16, 2008 1:21 PM
Incredible - thank you
I live in NY and study next level in Judaism these days - this helped so much understanding such a delicate, complex and fascinating subject.
(24) rivka, May 8, 2007 10:53 PM
beautiful!
R Lopiansky's article was incredibly eloquent. It was a real treat to turn on the computer for just a few minutes and have such well written insight at my fingertips. Thank you Aish.com for giving this to all of us.Your website shines with an uncunditional love for every jew
(23) Lisa Beasley, May 14, 2006 12:00 AM
The Temple Mount: a home for the soul
Although I know G-d dwells within each of us, I also believe there is something very spiritual and special about the Temple Mount. I've been there twice (a blessing each time) and can say with all my heart that this is a place where G-d dwells. Having visited Jerusalem, I can also see why the Creator loves it so much. It is a special place...like none other; the very air one breathes is different in a way that defies description. And thank you for the article. Reading it was like unwrapping a very special gift.
(22) Anonymous, August 23, 2005 12:00 AM
Much thanks to Rabbi Lopiansky for a well-written, warm article.
I would like to comment on the following sentence towards the end of the article: "For reasons known only to Him, one tiny plot of land is where God chooses to reveal as much of the Divine as possible."
Our Rabbis teach us that the Temple Mount (Har Habayis) is the location of the "Even She'siya" - the Foundation Stone from which the world evolved. That stone is the world's first material substance created by God - the spot where God and Earth "kissed", and it retains that holiness and spirituality. That makes the Temple Mount the "one tiny plot of land ... where God chooses to reveal as much of the Divine as possible."
(21) Evelyn Goodman, July 31, 2005 12:00 AM
Beautiful, but my contention is that God dwells within each one of us, and we need go no further to be with Him/Her than in the way we lead our daily lives, knowing that God is within us.
Beautiful, but my contention is that God dwells within each one of us, and we need go no further to be with Him/Her than in the way we lead our daily lives, knowing that God is within us.
To worship in a certain spot, and/or to worship together with others can help to remind us that we are one with God, but it is not necessary if we are conscious of this ourselves.
(20) Helen Curtis, September 6, 2004 12:00 AM
What A Peace I've Gained!
What a beautiful article! I understand the full meaning of "A Home For The Soul". The Temple needs to be rebuilt.The ruins are important. The Jewish heritage needs to always be there. God will allow this in due time. He is in control.
(19) Ms.Itzhaki, August 1, 2003 12:00 AM
Thanks
I would like to thank all the staff of Aish for the wonderful articles such as this. May Moshiach come in our days and may we all be reunited with Him again. Amen.
(18) Anonymous, August 26, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank you.
I had just seen the Tunnel and responded and now I read this beautiful article. It is touching and I believe true and very meaningful. The feeling of home--Peace to His land & People.
Peace
(17) Meir kende, July 29, 2001 12:00 AM
started out with topic of temple as a political entity then changed to spiritual. at first seemed unrelated, but after a time, was "ok"; very informative
(16) Anonymous, June 27, 2001 12:00 AM
As a Christian I am very eager to know more about Jewish customs and traditions. Reading this article I am better able to understand the passion the Jews have for the Temple Mount. I am in the habit of encouraging my Christian friends to support the Jews. Having read this article I am better equip.
(15) Anonymous, May 22, 2001 12:00 AM
As a high school student who just completed a semester research paper on the signifigance of the Temple Mount to the Jewish peoples (in context to the coming of the messiah), I have used Aish.com as a resource. This topic stirs me, as a Jew, because of the right I feel towards the land, and the forthcoming arrival of the Mashiach. I have found this article interesting, and it only bolsters and encourages my belief. Thank You.
(14) Elbaz Mary-Claude, May 21, 2001 12:00 AM
Thank you for your site, it's wondeful
But, may I ask you, can you tell me if we can read it in French. it would be more easy for us.
(13) Yocheved Chaia Rothschid, February 7, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent article
This is a fabulous article; it's so important to all people to get insight and a better understangding of the spiritual importance of the Temple Mount - especially for those of us living in the diaspora! Thank you so much.
(12) Larry Miller, February 6, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent article
A terrific explanation for those of our people who feel why such a tumult over just that small piece of land in question. Give away the Temple Mount, and why just stop at that. Too bad that many of our people's Jewishness extend to bagels on Sunday.
(11) Anonymous, February 6, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent Article
Thank you for the great insight and understanding of what is so important about the Temple Mount... my yearning for it is so much greater now.
(10) Murray Kupersmith, February 5, 2001 12:00 AM
A symphony of thought and prose applied to our roots.
Perhaps the most lucid exposition of the importance of the Temple Mount and Jerusalem I have ever read.
(9) Jack Lauber, February 5, 2001 12:00 AM
profound and revealing
I've never seen our holy of holies described in such a meaningful way.
(8) M,ando Guerrero, February 5, 2001 12:00 AM
Best, direct and simple explanation of Temple Mount
Thank you for your article on the importance of the Temple Mount, it explains in a clear simple way the reason that the Jewish nation cherishes this land.
(7) Michael Wimborne, February 5, 2001 12:00 AM
How refreshing it is to read the truth.
Aish Ha Torah is my daily bread.
It's such a change to have good teaching and wisdom, the Aish site is a hot favourite for me. May you all have shalom.
Michael Wimborne (Weinbaum) Australia
(6) Richard Jackson, February 4, 2001 12:00 AM
Another wonderful article
Learning from Aish HaTorah has now become part of my weekly routine, i started visiting the site about a year ago and ever since i have visited it every week to read the Torah Portions and the new articles.
This article was particullarly enlightening because it explains the Temple mount in a concise, simple and intresting manner.
I must admit i didnt fully appreciate the role and importance of the temple mount, but now i have a understanding of it.
(5) Marvin Rosenfeld, February 4, 2001 12:00 AM
The sacredness of the Temple Mount
While we know the sacredness of the Temple Mount, there are other religions. They are also people, whether or not they are one of us. What of their claim to the temple? Does G-d have no interest in
what they gave to say? While we fight and quabble over who has right to possession of the temple ount let us not forget that there are others to whom this area is also a sacred place.
(4) Anonymous, February 4, 2001 12:00 AM
Dear Rabbi Lopiansky:
Your article made me silently, weep. Love oozes from your every premise,and thought. The abject sadness at even having to "argue" the right to a "human history" and feelings of the Divine of our People,is beyond words. The preoccupation with peace and respect, tolerance and deep concern for others is so profoundly a part of the Jewish Soul. Hope that no one can see me crying.
(3) Sonia Nusenbaum, February 4, 2001 12:00 AM
the extraordinariness of aish H'Torah
At a time when a seeming insanity has a segment of the Jewish people, notably its political establishment, in its grip, it is so important that Aish H'Torah - most extraordinary and wonderful keepers of the flame - can be seen and read and shared by so many of us needful of the light you offer us via this medium.
All of you on Aish H'Torah are doing extraodinary work and a gratitude that the benefits are made available to Jews every where on this globe is shared by the many who read your caringly and brilliantly prepared material. Your nurture of us all is such a blessing, surely counted among the angels.
Via media there is a deluge of lies. The current war of lies is not called a war but it surely is. Any time truth is maligned Jews suffer and the current war of lies are the enemies of Israel as they always have been - we need this source of Torah truth as guide
That is why your keeping of the flame is so important always and surely even more so in such times as this
Thank you
(2) Anonymous, February 4, 2001 12:00 AM
Beautiful, necessary article
Rabbi Lopiansky has performed a great service in so cogently explaining what the Temple Mount is all about. Should be required reading for every Jew.
(1) Simon Berg, February 4, 2001 12:00 AM
Temple site- Thumbail historical background.
"The Dome of the Rock was built in an attempt by the ruler of the northern, Omaic part of the Islamic Empire to prevent their people from going to Mecca, which was part of the southern, Abassic part of the empire, and returning with Abassic sympathies while the two parts of the empire were at war"
Through the influence of Moshe Dayan on the Israei government, they returned the jurisdiction of the Temple Mount to the Muslim Wakif. This was soon after the capture of east Jerusalem in 1967.Dayan who was secular, had many Arabs as friends,which influenced this decision, and, in the belief that the Arabs would appreciate this gester so much that he would be called to the Table to make peace with them! Rabbi Goren who was also informed of this reason,is quoted as saying "I accepted the order with anger and pain, and I told the Minister of Defense that this is likely to bring about a third destruction......!"