The eighth, ninth and tenth days of the month of Tevet are each considered dark days in the history of Israel. At one time each of the three days was observed by a fast. Today we fast only on the tenth. What happened on these three days?
The 8th: The Septuagint
Click here to learn about the translation of the Hebrew Torah into Greek, known as the Septuagint, which occurred on the 8th of Tevet.
The 9th: The Passing of Ezra and Nechemiah
The 9th of Tevet marks the passing of Ezra and Nechemiah who led the Jews exiled in Babylon back to Jerusalem. Click here to learn more about their crucial role in Israel's history.
The 10th: Breaching the Walls of Jerusalem
The 10th of Tevet marks the beginning of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem in the year 586 BCE. Click here to learn more.
Chanuka: So Much More Than Eight Great Days
Today we celebrate eight days of Chanuka, but during some 250 years following the victory of the Macabees over the Greek/Assyrian tyrant Antiochus, until the destruction of the Second Temple by the Roman general Titus, the eight day Chanuka celebration was only one of a number of days set aside for commemorating the Hasmonean victory over our enemies, and the reversal of the evil decrees imposed upon the Jews of the land of Israel, by Antiochus, who sought to uproot the Torah, banishing the light of G-d from the world, and casting humanity into a perpetual darkness. Learn more about the days set aside to honor the Hasmonean victories over the Greek oppressors during the time of the second Holy Temple.
25th Anniversary Celebration: A Blessing by Rav Yisrael Ariel
Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, the founder and head of the Temple Institute, recorded this warm blessing to be heard at the occasion of the Temple Institute's 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner, which took place in Dallas, Texas, on November 14th, 2012. Rav Ariel expressed his deep gratitude toward HaShem and his thanks to the people gathered at the dinner, and to all the Institute's friends and supporters, who in his words, don't simply pray for or dream about or even sing songs about the Holy Temple, but actually make real efforts toward the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. "May we all merit to speedily see the great and holy Sanctuary established, with the Divine Presence dwelling within it."
Temple Institute Keynote Speaker: The Hon. Moshe Feiglin
On November 14th (Rosh Chodesh Kislev) the Temple Institute held a Gala 25th Anniversary Dinner, celebrating twenty five years of the Temple Institute and honoring our dedicated friends and supporters. The honorable Moshe Feiglin, founder and head of Manhigut Yehudit, the Jewish Leadership Faction of the Likud party, was the Dinner's Keynote Speaker. Unable, at the last minute, to attend in person, due to party primaries in anticipation of Israel's upcoming parliamentary elections, Moshe delivered his heartfelt message by video.
Subsequent to the Institute's Gala Dinner, Moshe made a very strong showing in the Likud primaries, and is expected to become a member of the Israel Knesset in the upcoming February elections.The Temple Institute congratulates Moshe on his hard earned success and looks forward to his continuing to articulate and implement the principles he set out in his keynote address as a member of the upcoming national government!
A Quarter Century of Accomplishments
The culmination of many months of intensive efforts, the November 14th (Rosh Chodesh Kislev) Temple Institute's 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration, was a monumental and most gratifying success. The joyous occasion marked 25 years of trailblazing accomplishments by the Temple Institute and also served as an opportunity to honor and give thanks to our dedicated and selfless friends, supporters, and all those who believe in the importance of the rebuilding of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, speedily, and in our days. We would also like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude toward all those who worked ceaselessly and without rest to help make the evening the unqualified success that it was. This video retrospective was premiered at the gala.
The Temple Institute's Founder, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, to Receive Prestigious Jerusalem Award
The Temple Institute is very pleased and proud to announce that its founder, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, has been named recipient of the Jerusalem Award, as part of the upcoming prestigious Tenth Annual Jerusalem Conference, under the auspices of Arutz Sheva and the Basheva weekly newspaper. The ceremony will take place in Jerusalem on January seventh, 2013.
25th Anniversary Gala Celebration Photo Album
We are very pleased to share with you this most beautiful photo album chronicling the Temple Institute's 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration,which took place on the evening of November 14th, (Rosh Chodesh Kislev), at the Wyndham Hotel in Dallas, Texas. We are grateful to Roma Long for taking these photographs and sharing them with us. Click here.
A Quarter Century of Accomplishments
The culmination of many months of intensive efforts, last week's Temple Institute's 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration, was a monumental and most gratifying success. We apologize that we were unable to broadcast the proceedings live, as we had announced, due to technical difficulties beyond our control. We hope to be able to post pictures and video clips from the event, in the upcoming week. Most importantly, we would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude toward all those who worked ceaselessly and without rest to help make the evening the unqualified success that it was.
The Week of the Rambam
October 22 -26, the Temple Institute will be celebrating Maimonides? 6th of Cheshvan (Oct. 22nd) ascent to the Temple Mount with articles posted daily describing the Rambam?s life and times, his visit to Israel and the Temple Mount, and the commandment of Mora Mikdash - showing reverence for G-d on the Temple Mount. To keep abreast of our daily article, visit this page, join us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
To begin day one, and learn about Rambam's early life in 12th century Spain and North Africa, click here.
To read day two, and discover what awaited Rambam in the land of Israel, held by the crusaders, click here.
To proceed to day three, and read in the Rambam's own words of his perilous journey through Israel and his ascent to the Temple Mount, click here.
To go to day four, and learn about the Rambam's own reflections on his ascent to the Temple Mount, click here.
On day five, view a four minute video shot stop the Temple Mount, where we recreate the Rambam's historic visit, and learn about the Rambam's life in Egypt. Click here.
Click here to download our Week of the Rambam artwork.
Isru Chag, (23 Tishrei, 5773/October 9, 2012), on the Temple Mount
ON OCTOBER 9TH, 2012, Rabbi Chaim Richman had the distinct pleasure of hosting sixty Jewish worshipers on the Temple Mount. The day was Isru Chag, a special designation given to the day following the holiday of Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, the final festive day of the Tishrei holiday season. This was the largest contingent of Torah observant Jews that Rabbi Richman has ever had the privilege to lead around the Temple Mount. These were all members of the Ohel Ari Synagogue, located in the Israeli coastal town of Ra'anana. They were led by their congregational Rabbi, Ronen Neuwirth. For many of the participants this was the first time they had ever ascended to the Temple Mount. The aliya was organized by Rabbi Richman and Michael Freund, head of the Shavei Yisrael organization, Jerusalem Post op-ed contributor, and member of the congregation.
For the complete story and photographs, please click here.
To view features which have previously appeared on the Events page, please go to TI Digest.
Light to the Nations
The Temple Institute's Founder, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, to Receive Prestigious Jerusalem Award 
