Introduction to Holy Temple Studies

Focus on the meaning of Tisha B'Av and the significance of mourning for the Holy Temple today.

August 3/Av 9

Holy Temple Studies 1

Insights into the makeup of the commandment concerning building the Holy Temple.

August 10/Av 16

Holy Temple Studies 2

The concept and history of the Tabernacle as the temporary Holy Temple.

August 17/Av 23

The Month of Elul

Focus on the unique qualities of the Hebrew month of Elul which begins today.

August 24/Av 30

Holy Temple Studies 3

"The Temple Scroll:" The Divine blueprint, included in the Torah, and passed down through the generations for building the Holy Temple.

August 31/Elul 7

Holy Temple Studies 4

"The Temple Structure:" The distinct parts of the Holy Temple according to the Temple Scroll.

September 7/Elul 14

Holy Temple Studies 5

The Sanctuary Vessels: The central service vessels whose importance makes them inseparable from the Temple itself.

September 14/Elul 21

Rosh HaShana

Insights into Rosh HaShana, the New Year, and its universal signficance for all mankind.

September 21/Elul 28

Focus on the Yom Kippur experience

A discussion of the concept of repentance and the potential for spiritual growth for all people inherent in this most holy day.

Sep. 28/Tishrei 6

Sukkot in the Holy Temple
Part 1

The mystery of the passage from the judgment of Yom Kippur to the joy of Sukkot: fleeing into the embrace of the Divine Presence.

October 5/Tishrei 13

Sukkot in the Holy Temple
Part 2

The palpable joy of the Festival of Sukkot as it was celebrated in the time of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

October 5/Tishrei 13

To Dwell in the Sukkah

A special presentation focusing on the spiritual aspects of the festival, recorded in Rabbi Richman's sukkah in Jerusalem.

October 12/Tishrei 20

Holy Temple Studies 6: The Stones for Building

With the High Holidays & Sukkot behind us, we take the lessons we have learned into the New Year. Then, returning to our Holy Temple Studies after the holiday specials, we now discuss the stones used for building the Temple... even as the government of Jordan plans to construct a fifth minaret on the Temple Mount, and the government of Israel expresses no opposition. What does this mean for us?

We also remember the righteous Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berdichev, for whom this program is dedicated.

October 19/Tishrei 27

Secrets of the Month of Mar Cheshvan-

The current Hebrew month of Mar Cheshvan is the only month of the year that features no holidays or special observances. But a closer examination of the mystical aspects of this month, according to the teachings of our sages, reveals that there is much more than meets the eye...and the best is yet to come! This program explores the connection between the month of Mar Cheshvan and the building of the Third Temple.

October 26/
Cheshvan 4

Holy Temple Studies 7: Details of Construction

More about the stones of the Temple and altar... insights into the unique prohibition against wood in the Temple, and the planting of trees, in the proximity of the altar... special requirements relating to the floor of the Holy Temple... and the general commandment to beautify the Temple to the greatest extent possible.

November 2/
Cheshvan 11

Holy Temple Studies 8: From the Earliest Light

Maimonides' visit to the Temple Mount, 840 years ago, gives us special insights into the laws he relates in today's lesson. Exactly who is commanded to participate in the Temple construction? And who is exempt? The concept of the secret spiritual power of children. On what days should construction take place, and during which hours? Requirements for the building of the altar, its stones and the ground upon which it sits.

November 9/
Cheshvan 18

Holy Temple Studies 9: The Perfect Stones

A detailed lesson on the requirements for the stones used in building the altar.

November 16/
Cheshvan 25

Holy Temple Studies 10: The Purity of the Altar

A lesson concerning the altar and its significance, and other details of the Divine service.

November 23/
Kislev 2

Holy Temple Studies 11: Principles Concerning the Temple Vessels

In this lesson we conclude the first chapter of Maimonides' "Laws of the Chosen House" with details derived from Sinai-based principles concerning the materials used for constructing the vessels, and insights into varying levels of sanctity.

November 30/
Kislev 9

Holy Temple Studies 12: An Historical Overview of the Altar and its Location/a>

Maimonides begins Chapter Two of his classic "Laws of the Chosen House" with an overview of the altar's significance ever since the time of Adam. Important principles regarding the altar's precise location and measurements are presented in a historical/spiritual context.

December 7/
Kislev 16

A Two-part Chanukah Special:
Part I: Inner Dimensions of Chanukah

Spiritual insights into the battle against the Greeks, the light of the Menorah and the Holy Temple, fundamental principles of Jewish faith, and other secrets of Chanukah.

December 14/
Kislev 23

A Two-part Chanukah Special:
Part 2: Inner Dimensions of Chanukah

Spiritual insights into the battle against the Greeks, the light of the Menorah and the Holy Temple, fundamental principles of Jewish faith, and other secrets of Chanukah.

December 21/
Kislev 30

Holy Temple Studies 13:
Insights into the Korbanot (Temple offerings) Part I

Before we proceed with the continuation of Chapter Two and details concerning the altar, we present an in-depth two part special dealing with spiritual insights and a novel approach to understanding the significance and inner meaning of the offerings that are brought to the altar in the Holy Temple.

December 28/
Tevet 7

Holy Temple Studies 14:
Insights into the Korbanot (Temple offerings) Part II

Before we proceed with the continuation of Chapter Two and details concerning the altar, we present an in-depth two part special dealing with spiritual insights and a novel approach to understanding the significance and inner meaning of the offerings that are brought to the altar in the Holy Temple.

January 4/
Tevet 14

Holy Temple Studies 15:
The Names of the Altar

Chapter 2 of Maimonides' Beit HaBechira, (The Chosen House): An explanation of the five names of the altar, and an introduction of the biblical measuring system.

January 11/
Tevet 21

Holy Temple Studies 16:
Measurements of the Altar, Part I

Chapter 2 of Maimonides' Beit HaBechira, (The Chosen House): An explanation of the height of the three sections of the altar, and the application of the system of measurements described in last week's show.

January 18/
Tevet 28

Holy Temple Studies 17:
Measurements of the Altar, Part II

Chapter 2 of Maimonides' Beit HaBechira, (The Chosen House): An explanation of the height of the three sections of the altar, and the application of the system of measurements used in the Holy Temple. (Part II)

January 25/
Shvat 6

Holy Temple Studies 18:
The Life-changing Temple Experience

Chapter 2 of Maimonides' Beit HaBechira, (The Chosen House): A midrashic exploration of the three objects shown to Moshe by G-d at Sinai: the tabernacle, the menorah, and the altar. Also, more about the four horns of the altar.

February 1/
Shvat 13

Holy Temple Studies 19:
The Horns of the Altar

Chapter 2 of Maimonides' Beit HaBechira, (The Chosen House): More about the four horns of the altar

February 8/
Shvat 20

Holy Temple Studies 20:
Rosh Chodesh Adar - The New Moon of Adar

G-d's love for the people of Israel, as expressed in the month of Adar, from the giving of the half-shekel, to the joyous celebration of Purim.

February 15/
Shvat 27

Holy Temple Studies 21:
The Waters of the Depth

An in-depth look of the drainage system built into the base of the altar.

February 22/
Adar 4

The Purim Special

Mystical Insights into the hidden miracle of Purim and Purim's intrinsic connection to the Holy Temple

March 1/
Adar 11

Holy Temple Studies 22:
The Soul of King David

A continuation of Holy Temple Studies 21: The Waters of the Depth

March 8/
Adar 18

Rosh Chodesh Nisan

Mystical insights into the month of our redemption

March 17/
Adar 27

Holy Temple Studies 23: The Ramp of the Altar

Chapter 2 of Maimonides' Beit HaBechira, (The Chosen House):Fascinating details of the ramp of the altar, derived from the Oral tradition.

March 22/
Nisan 3

The Passover Special: Part 1

Insights into the meaning and power of the preeminent obligation of the Passover festival, the korban pesach - the Passover offering.

March 29/
Nisan 10

The Passover Special: Part 2

The inner spiritual lights of the Passover festival, including the counting of the omer, and the seventh day - shvi'i shel chag.

April 5/
Nisan 17

Holy Temple Studies 24: Concluding Details of the Altar

With these last four halachot - laws - Maimonides concludes the second chapter of Beit Habechira, (The Chosen House).

April 12/
Nisan 24

Rosh Chodesh Iyar

Mystical insights into the new month of Iyar.

April 19/
Iyar 1

Pesach Sheni - Second Passover

The holiday of second chances, and its spiritual implications today. Also, a fascinating story concerning the manna.

April 26/
Iyar 8

Holy Temple Studies 25: An Introduction to the Menorah

Chapter 3 of Maimonides Beit Habechira, (The Chosen House).

May 3/
Iyar 15

Holy Temple Studies 26: The Meaning of the Menorah

Chapter three of Maimonides Beit Habechira, (The Chosen House): the meaning of the Menorah.

May 10/
Iyar 22

The Festival of Shavuot: Receiving the Torah Anew

Spiritual insights into the inner meaning of the Shavuot holiday.

May 17/
Iyar 29

Details of the Menorah, Part I

The significance of the "flowers" and "knobs" of the golden menorah.

May 24/
Sivan 7

Details of the Menorah, Part II

The significance of the "flowers" and "knobs" of the golden menorah.

May 31/
Sivan 14

Details of the Menorah, Part III

Chapter three of Maimonides Beit Habechira, (The Chosen House): The height of the menorah.

June 7/
Sivan 21

Holy Temple Studies 30: The Flames of the Menorah

In today's lesson, Rabbi Richman concludes his teaching of the menorah details, and begins to discuss the showbread table.

June 14/
Sivan 28

Holy Temple Studies 31: Introduction to the Table of the Showbread

Chapter three of Maimonides Beit Habechira, (The Chosen House): An exploration of the spiritual significance of the showbread table.

June 21/
Tammuz 5

The Month of Tammuz

The spiritual qualities of the month of Tammuz, the upcoming fast of the 17th, and the constructive lessons to be derived by the Jewish practice of mourning for the Holy Temple, may it be rebuilt speedily and in our days!

June 28/
Tammuz 12

Holy Temple Studies 33: Details of the Table

An in-depth description of the various elements that make up the golden table of the showbread, and the arrangement of the twelve loaves.

July 5/
Tammuz 19

The Baking of the the Showbread

The Garmu family, the priestly family entrusted with the unique task of baking the showbread.

July 12/
Tammuz 26

Tish'a b'Av (The Ninth of Av)

Readings from the midrash emphasizing the scope of the tragedy of the destruction of the Holy Temple.

July 19/
Av 4

Tu b'Av (The Fifteenth of Av)

Spiritual insights into one of the happiest days on the Jewish calendar.

July 26/
Av 11

The Showbread and the Manna

The spiritual meaning of the showbread and its close relationship to the manna.

August 2/
Av 18

Elul: The Challenge

The challenge of the month of Elul: The gateway to who we can be.

September 3/
Elul 20

Urgent Message: The Temple Mount

The Holy Temple - the heart and soul of the world - is under attack! Radical Islam is waging war against the G-d of Israel.

september 5/
Elul 22

Rosh HaShana 5768

Rosh HaShana: the day in which all of creation recognizes G-d as King.

September 11/
Elul 28

Yom Kippur: Striving for Truth

On Rosh HaShana we accept G-d's sovereignty over all creation. On Yom Kippur we must answer the question: What are we going to do about it?

September 17/
Tishrei 5

Sukkot, Part I: The Prelude

What transpires on the four days leading from Yom Kippur to the festival of Sukkot? What does it mean to be above time and sin? Entering Sukkot, the time and place of our greatest joy.

September 23/
Tishrei 12

Sukkot, Part II: The Joy

What is the source of the great joy that is embodied in the festival of Sukkot? The profound origin and history of the Water Libation ceremony.

September 23/
Tishrei 12

Holy Temple Studies 37: The Laver

Concluding chapter 4 of Maimonides Laws of the Chosen House, in which the history and details of the brass laver are delineated.

October 11/
Tishrei 29

Holy Temple Studies 38: The Foundation Stone

Concluding chapter 4 of Maimonides' Laws of the Chosen House, in which the fascinating history and details of the foundation stone and articles that were place in the Holy of Holies are delineated.

October 18/
Cheshvan 6

Holy Temple Studies 39: Concealing the Ark

The prophetic vision of King Solomon and the history of the Ark of the Covenant

October 25/
Cheshvan 13

Holy Temple Studies 40: Between the Holy & the Holy of Holies

The Urim and Tumim of the High Priest, and the Traksin - the partition curtain that separarted the Holy from the Holy of Holies.

November 1/
Cheshvan 20

Holy Temple Studies 41: The Measurements of the Holy Temple

Maimonides details the length, breadth and height of the various chambers of the Holy Temple.

November 8/
Cheshvan 27

Non-Jews and Torah Observance

An explanation of the laws of the Bnei Noach, and their "real-time" application.

November 15/
Kislev 5

Holy Temple Studies 42: The Measurements of the Holy Temple, Part II

More details about the length & breadth of the various chambers of the Holy Temple, from west to east, & north to south.

November 22/
Kislev 12

Holy Temple Studies 43

Ezekiel's Closed Gate: The gates leading from entranceway of the Holy Temple to the Sanctuary. The two pishpeshim and their significance.

November 29/
Kislev 19

Special Chanuka Teaching

Deep Spiritual Insights into Chanuka

December 6/
Kislev 26

Non-Jews and Torah Observance, Part II

The universal message that the Holy Torah posseses for each and every soul, of each and every nation, the whole world over.

December 13/
Tevet 4

Non-Jews and Torah Observance, Part III

Observing the Sabbath of Creation.

December 20/
Tevet 11

Holy Temple Studies 44: The Great Gates

The technical details and spiritual significance of the doors and curtains that lead to the Kodesh.

December 27/
Tevet 18