The Holy Temple

Perceptions of the Shamir in Three Dimensions - Midrash, History, and Theory

By Professor Pesach Goldstein Posted in The Holy Temple

Although by definition miracles do not have to be explained as scientifically observable phenomena, the miraculous shamir which cut the stones for King Solomon's Temple matches the description of alpha radiation.

A Building of the Heavens or of the Earth?

By Yanki Tauber Posted in The Holy Temple

A Building of the Heavens or of the Earth?
There is a classic difference of opinion between our Rabbis regarding the construction of the Third Holy Temple (aka Beis HaMikdash). Maimonides states that it will be built by man, more specifically by Mashiach. Rashi, by contrast, explains tha

How does a great G-d reside in a small temple?

By Yanki Tauber Posted in The Holy Temple

How does a great G-d reside in a small temple?
Essay: How can a physical edifice, no matter how spiritual and holy, house the Almighty G-d whom the most sublime spiritual worlds cannot contain?

Interactive Tour of the Holy Temple

By Mendy Elishevitz Posted in The Holy Temple

According to the Midrash (Tanchumah, Tzav 15), when you learning about the structure of the Holy Temple is considered as it. Is is interesting today as in the year 2000 when we first put it together, click here to start the tour. (Doesn't work? Temporaril

The Intimate Estrangement

By Yanki Tauber Posted in The Holy Temple

At times, we sense what appear to be signs of detachment and disinvolvement on G-d's part. G-d seems to have shifted the focus of His attention from our lives, abandoning us to the whims of “chance” and “fate.” In truth, however, this Divine “objectivity”

What is the Temple?

By Rabbi Tzvi Freeman Posted in The Holy Temple

What is the Temple?
The Holy Temple, a.k.a. the Beit Hamikdash, was the football-stadium-sized, multi-level, indoor-outdoor structure that was the nucleus of Judaism, its most sacred site. The problem with the word “temple” is that Indiana Jones got to it. Today, w

What was the purpose of sacrificial offerings in the Ancient Hebrew Temple?

By Tzvi Freeman Posted in The Holy Temple

What was the purpose of sacrificial offerings in the Ancient Hebrew Temple?
Sure it’s cool to have a central place for prayer and meditation, with the Menorah, the incense, the tablets that Moses brought…but why the butcher shop? Charity, prayer, study…all those I can understand. But why on earth would G-d want us to bu