Temple Worship Begins

In order to deepen Israel's appreciation and practice of deeds of loving-kindness, King Solomon had two unique 'gates' constructed in the outer court of the Holy Temple. These gates were meeting-points for the people of Jerusalem to assemble on the Temple Mount in order to bestow kindness.

One of these gates was specifically intended for bringing joy to bridegrooms, who would pass this way to be met by the people who would wish them happiness and blessings on the occasion of their marriage. The other gate was intended for mourners, who would be consoled and comforted by all those who would meet them.

"King Solomon realized that the attribute of loving-kindness was very great in the eyes of the Holy One, blessed be He. Thus when he constructed the Holy Temple, he built two special gates: one for bridegrooms, and one for mourners and the excommunicated. Every Sabbath and festival day, all of Israel would gather and sit between these two gates. When anyone entered through the groom's gate, everyone knew he was to be married, and they would bless him: 'May He who dwells in this house rejoice you with sons and daughters!' And when anyone entered through the mourner's gate, all of Israel would know that this is a person who has suffered a loss. They would console him: 'May He who dwells in this house console you!'

Thus all of Israel would have the opportunity to bestow loving-kindness." (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer HaGadol 17)

The period of Solomon's Temple lasted for four hundred and ten years, and witnessed the passing of twenty generations of kings from the house of David.

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