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this page last updated: Kislev 3, 5770 / November 20, 2009
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 The Events page is our window into all new features and additions on the site.
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In the spirit of global greening, and in order to cut back on postal expenses, beginning Sunday, November 8th, the Temple Institute will be sending to our online donors their monthly message from Rabbi Chaim Richman and their receipts by email, and no longer by surface mail. This will be in the form of a scanned attachment. If you still wish to receive your receipt by surface mail, you can designate so on our online donation form, or simply send us an email. Your support is always welcomed and appreciated! |
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843 years ago the Rambam, (Maimonides) ascended the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where he offered up prayer to the Creator of the Universe. Today, the mere mention of Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount causes the Moslems clerics to incite their followers to violence, igniting the Temple Mount. Ascending the Temple Mount and showing reverence to to G-d in the place of His Holy Temple, is a positive commandment expressed in the Torah. Known in Hebrew as "mora haMikdash" this commandment is as applicable today as was in the Rambam's day.
No amount of violence and naysaying can sever the eternal bond between the nation of Israel and the place The Rambam possessed this knowledge. So do we. Only one way exists today to preserve and strengthen our bond to the place of the Holy Temple: to ascend and to pray, as the Rambam did. Doing so will not create turmoil, but tranquility; not war, but peace. Join us on the Mount. |
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"Let me say this very clearly," said the police source, who asked to remain unnamed. "We have no contacts whatsoever with these groups or with their rabbis, and they can make their calls [for Jews to go up to the Temple Mount] as much as they want - that's fine. "But we have nothing to say to them, except that the status quo on the Temple Mount will not change - period. The police have never allowed [Jewish] prayer on the mount - it wasn't allowed [when the Temple Mount came under Israeli control] in 1967, it's not allowed now, and it won't be allowed [in the future]." (from The Jerusalem Post, 27.10.09)Some people maintain that Israel can't be both a Jewish state and a democratic state. Some say it can only be democratic at the risk of losing its Jewish identity, and some say that it can only be Jewish at the risk of losing its democratic nature. But the Israel Police have outflanked everyone. They say that Israel can't be Jewish and it also can't be democratic! It would be risible if it didn't cry out to the heavens! The Public Security Minister of Israel is Yitzhak Aharonovitch. If you would like to contact his office directly in order to make your thoughts known concerning the right of Jews (and other non-Moslems) to pray on the Temple Mount, the Bureau of the Minister of Public Security can be reached at sar@mops.gov.il |
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The Temple Institute has revived the ancient craft of altar building, rooted in the land of Israel. Our sages have bequeathed us with precise instructions and descriptions of the particular materials to be used, including the type of stones and the recipe for the manufacture of the mortar to hold the stones. Reclaiming this knowledge and relearning the methods and skills required involved hands on experimentation and investigation. The Temple Institute is currently exploring a number of traditions handed down by our sages describing different methods of construction. The Temple Institute introduces the newest phase of a comprehensive and revolutionary project whose intended purpose is the construction of a large stone altar, (mizbeach), whose ultimate destiny is to be transported to its proper location on the Temple Mount, when the historic opportunity arises. To learn about our newest stone altar initiative, and to see photographs, please click here. |
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843 years ago this Shabbat, Moshe ben Maimon, (Maimonides), made his historic journey from North Africa to the land of Israel and to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where he fulfilled the Torah commandment of showing reverence to G-d in the place of His Holy Temple. To read Maimonides' own words describing his impressions and expressions of gratitude, click here. |
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Jewish Rights and Responsibilities on the Temple Mount
Jews have the |
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There is no time better spent than the time we spend in the sukkah, and this remarkable spiritual odyssey begins with the building of the sukkah. Join Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven as they build their classic Jerusalem sukkah. Along the way the Rabbi shares his pearls of Torah wisdom. Chock-full of adventure, breathtaking insights, and occasional mishap, you will not want to miss a minute of this timeless documentary. Truly a must-see! This 28 minute video can be viewed in full on UniversalTorah.com, or in three parts, (high quality) on youTube.com. |
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A Short Yom Kippur Message from Rabbi Chaim Richman
If you've ever made a mistake, watch this short message. If you ever wished you could simply delete all the errors you made in your life, watch this video. If you ever dreamed of a new beginning, guaranteed, no questions asked, this short video is for you. If your heart is sincere, and you're willing simply to show up, to make a difference in your own life, and to get down to the task of being who you know you can be, this year will be the best year of your life. Click to view. G'mar Chatima Tova - May you be sealed in the Book of Life! |
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ON THE NEXT-TO-LAST DAY OF 5769, (September 17, 2009), Rabbi Professor Daniel Hershkowitz, the Israeli Government's Minister of Science and Technology, paid a visit to the Temple Institute. Click here to learn more. |
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A Short Rosh Hashana Blessing for 5770
On Rosh Hashana, the birthday of all mankind, we receive from |
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Attention: Temple Institute Members
We have just added to our member' area two new, print-quality, downloadable, (pdf), exclusive Temple Institute images: the recently completed Temple harp, and the Rosh haShana greeting which appears at the top of the Events page. All members are welcome to download these images for their personal use. If yo are a member of the Temple Institute, but have never logged in, or have forgotten your login information, please contact us. If you are interested in becoming a member, please click here. |
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 This beautiful harp (nevel in Hebrew) was recently donated to the Temple Institute. The harp was hand-crafted by the renowned Jerusalem craftsman Mica Harrari, who, together with his wife Shoshanna, revived the ancient art of harp making in the land of Israel some twenty years ago. The nevel pictured above was made out of native Israeli Rosewood, and features twenty-two strings, the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. Among the many instruments played in the Holy Temple, only the silver trumpets were specifically commanded by Torah. The book of Psalms mentions a number of instruments which were used by the Levites to accompany the Divine service, the nevel (which throughout the Psalms and Jewish tradition is associated with King David) being one of them. Since fewer halachic requirements were placed on the types of instruments used, musicians and instrument makers alike were granted a certain degree of artistic freedom, and many different and exotic instruments were performed upon throughout the year in the Holy Temple. The musical highlight of the year took place during the Sukkot festival, on the occasion of the Simchat Beit haShoeva celebration (the Festival of the Water Libation). Maimonides describes the number of instruments being played throughout the all-night festivities as "countless." In addition to the Levitical musicians, other accomplished artists were also invited to join in.
The Temple Institute takes this opportunity to publicly express its heartfelt thanks to the person who made this generous donation. It is our prayer that the ultimate beneficiaries of the new Rosewood nevel will be the Levitical Temple performers, and all who gather together to honor and praise the |
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 An ancient tradition of visiting the Holy Temple on the eve of one's wedding has been revived in our days. The day leading up to one's chatunah - wedding - is, for the bride and groom, a day of introspection, deep thoughts, and teshuvah - repentance. What better place on earth to prepare spiritually for these goals than the Temple Mount in Jerusalem? Click here to view pictures. |
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"An altar of earth you shall make for Me, and you shall slaughter beside it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your cattle. Wherever I allow My name to be mentioned, I will come to you and bless you." Exodus 20:21 On the 9th of Av, 5769, (2009), the Temple Institute began the construction of the stone altar. When completed, this altar will be ready to be transported to the Temple Mount, where the Divine service will be renewed. This six-minute video provides background information and first hand impressions of perhaps the most significant step taken yet towards the rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the renewal of the Divine service.
"I will bring them to My holy mount, and I will cause them to rejoice in My house of prayer, their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon My altar, for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." Isaiah 56:7 Click here to view the video.To learn more about building the altar, and to see pictures, please click here. To see news articles describing the event, please click here, and here. |
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UPDATED WITH PHOTOS!
"And when you make for Me an altar of stones, you shall not build them of hewn stones, lest you wield your sword upon it and desecrate it." Exodus 20:22 Building a Holy Temple begins with the first stone. With this in mind, the Temple Institute has embarked upon building the mizbeach - the stone altar. Stones have been gathered from an area of the Dead Sea, where it can be safely verified that no metal tool has ever touched the stones' surfaces. The stones were then wrapped so as to guarantee that they would not come in contact with metal as they were transported to the community of Mitzpe Yericho, east of Jerusalem. There the stones are to be assembled with specially prepared cement. The altar will be small in scale, but within the dimensions required by halacha, (Jewish law), and will be fit for use. However, the altar can only be used in its proper location on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The altar's small size will facilitate its quick transport to Jerusalem at the first possible opportunity. The altar is being constructed on Tish'a b'Av, the day that the nation of Israel fasts in commemoration of the destruction of the first and second Holy Temple. Observing the fast day does not preclude making preparations for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. On the contrary, there is no better occassion than the 9th of Av for buiding the altar upon which the Divine service will be renewed. To learn more about building the altar, and to see pictures, please click here. To see news articles describing the event, please click here, and here. |
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Tish'a b'Av - 5769 - Atop the Temple Mount
On the morning of the fast of Tish'a b'Av commemorating the destruction of the Holy Temple built by King Solomon at the hands of the Babylonians, and the later destruction of the Holy Temple rebuilt by the returning exiles from Babylon, and later refurbished by King Herod, at the hand of the Romans, over one hundred fasting Jews went up to the Temple Mount. On this day, atop the Mount which at this early hour was almost entirely unpeopled other than the Jewish worshippers, amidst the Moslem edifices and continuing construction/destruction, (see pictures), we reflected not only on the past, but could see the future before our very eyes, more palpable than ever. |
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A new poll involving religious, traditional and secular Israels reveals strong across-the-board support for rebuilding the Holy Temple. For more details, click here. |
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9th of Av: Israel IBA News Interviews Rabbi Chaim Richman
Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute talks about the 9th of Av, the Holy Temple, its importance to the entire world, and the moral and spiritual imperative to build the Temple now! Click here to view. |
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1939 years ago the Holy Temple was destroyed. Read about its last moments, about the customs that developed over the centuries to remember the Temple by, and the various attempts throughout history to rebuild the Holy Temple. Click here. |
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Dare to Dream/Dare to Build
As we enter the month of Av we intensify our tradition of mourning for the Holy Temple, but are we really in touch with what we are mourning for? Are we ready to put an end to the mourning forever? The real people of Israel are ready, and poised in their hearts to rise up and build the Holy Temple. Obama may be calling for a building freeze in Jerusalem, but the Jewish heart is burning to build! See for yourselves... (2 minute video inspiration) |
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The 17th day of the month of Tammuz begins the three week period of mourning during which the nation of Israel increasingly occupies its thoughts with the Holy Temple. The 17th of Tammuz marks a dawn-to-dark fast day. The three week period ends with its climax on the 9th day of Av, the date of the destruction of both Holy Temples, observed as a 25 hour fast. These three weeks are also marked by the observance of various customs of mourning, which progressively intensify in stages from the beginning of the month of Av. While Jewish law specifically designates this time period as one of mourning, the appellation may be misleading. When a family suffers a loss, the Jewish mourning customs help the mourners to come to grips with their loss, to work their way through it, both physically, spiritually, and emotionally, and ultimately to enable the mourners to return to the fullness of their lives. They are unable to make that return until they "get over" their loss.
These three weeks take on the various aspects of mourning, however, with quite the opposite intention. We are never supposed to "get over" this loss! Mourning the loss of the Holy Temple each year is intended to jar us into realizing that our lives as Jews, as human beings on this earth, cannot and will not return to the fullness that The purpose of the three weeks is not to provide a convenient means with which we can compartmentalize our suffering the loss of the Holy Temple. As Jews and as righteous Gentiles we must use these days for taking personal stock, and for recommitting ourselves toward realizing the vision of Isaiah: " ...and My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." (Isaiah 57:6). Two video teachings by Rabbi Chaim Richman about the month of Tammuz and the fast of the seventeenth are now available online. Both were originally posted one year ago, and both remain relevant and meaningful today.
A An eight minute interview entitled, "Understanding the Fast of the 17th of Tamuz," with Rabbi Richman can be viewed here. |
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For the first time, we have published online a brief summary of pertinent halacha (requirements of Torah law) and guidelines for ascending to the Temple Mount (aliya) in purity. While not intended to be a substitute for in-depth study or at the very least, consultation with a Torah scholar who is acknowledged to be an expert in this highly specialized, often neglected subject, this guide will introduce the potential pilgrim to the basic do's and don'ts of proper conduct upon the Temple Mount. Click here to view. |
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Jewish Response to the Obama Cairo Speech
On June 4, 2009, President Barack H. Obama delivered a speech in Cairo, Egypt, that contained a distorted view of the Jewish people's historical ties to the land of their forefathers, the land of Israel.
This video is a response.
This video is also available with subtitles for the hearing impaired. |
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"THIS IS THE DAY WHICH HASHEM HAS MADE; WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT." The Temple Institute is very pleased to announce the completion of the bezichin - the two golden frankincense vessels which were placed continually upon the golden table of the showbread in the Kodesh sanctuary of the Holy Temple. To see photographs and to learn more about the role the bezichin played in the Divine service, please click here. To view a short video introducing the two golden frankincense vessels, please click here. |
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On his way back to Israel from a rewarding visit to the USA, Rabbi Chaim Richman found time to deliver a press conference at JFK Airport in New York City. Immediately upon arriving in the holy land, Israel National Radio's Yishai Fleisher tracked down the Rabbi for a Jerusalem Day radio interview. Click here. |
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Yom Yerushalayim - Jerusalem Day: Reflections by Rabbi Yisrael Ariel "Tel Aviv - up in flames... Haifa - up in flames... Jerusalem - up in flames..." Thus begins the dramatic retelling by Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, founder and head of the Temple Institute, of his 1967 Six Day War experiences. Fate placed Rabbi Ariel, then a young man, in arguably the most enviable position in the last two thousand years of Jewish history. As one of the paratroopers of the 55th Parachute Brigade that on June 7th, 1967, captured Jerusalem's old city and liberated the Temple Mount, the impact of the events of those history making moments upon the young Rabbi were profound. "What is the meaning of it, that we arrived at this moment, after two thousand years, to this place? The unassailable certainty that we had returned in order to build, that was clear to me." We urge everyone to take five minutes to view a unique video, produced by the Temple Institute, in which Rabbi Yisrael Ariel paratrooper and founder of the Temple Institute, reflects on his experiences in the Six Day War and the liberation of the Temple Mount. This intensely personal recollection can be view in its original Hebrew, with English subtitles, and with Spanish subtitles. Yom Yerushalayim Sameach - happy Jerusalem Day! |
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When this letter reaches your hands, I will no longer be among the living. In these, the final moments of my life, I feel compelled to express my thoughts. I am twenty years old. My dreams of building a family I must abandon, and pictures of my life, from the moment I was born, until this moment, are racing before my eyes… In these brief moments the soul sees what a man can't see in a lifetime of moments. Read this heart-rendering letter, penned by Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, the founder and head of the Temple Institute, in honor of 180 of his fellow paratroopers who fell in the Six Day War's battle for Jerusalem. Click here. |
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| THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF NISSAN, 5769, hosted two events for the nation of Israel, birkat hachama - the blessing of the sun, and the bringing of the korban Pesach - the Pascal offering. The former event, due to its rarety, (once every 28 years), has grabbed all the headlines and the hearts of the Jewish people. But in reality, the latter event, the korban Pesach, is a central expression of Israel's faith in G-d, as expressed by Torah. Yet little attention is being given today to the korban Pesach. The people of Israel are not arriving in droves to the Temple Mount, their designated Pascal offerings in tow. Why is this? IN THIS INTERVIEW conducted by Israel National News with Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute, Rabbi Richman explains the historic disconnect which has transpired between the Jewish people and the Holy Temple, as a result of two thousand years of exile. The Rabbi further describes the transformation which is currently taking place among the children of Israel, and why the growing Temple consciousness gives him confidence that the day will come soon when the Holy Temple will be rebuilt. |
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(Exodus 40:2)
On the first day of the month of Nissan, the mishkan - tabernacle - was consecrated and the Divine service initiated. On the first day of this very month, "the first of months" (Exodus 12:2), in which the children of Israel emerged as a free nation from Egyptian bondage just one year earlier, May we soon fulfill the purpose for which we were miraculously redeemed from slavery and brought into the land that He promised - the land of Israel. May we soon build His Holy Temple, sing again the songs of King David in the Temple courtyards, and bring once more offerings upon the altar! |
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for honor and glory." (Exodus 28:2)
This week's Torah reading of Tetzave, in which the garments of the high priest are fashioned in accordance with G-d's word, is a perfect opportunity to study once again the bigdei kehuna - the priestly garments. As you know, the Temple Institute, as in the days of the generation of the desert, has sought out the "wise hearted, who [G-d] has filled with the spirit of wisdom," (Exodus 27:3), and have recreated many of the high priest's garments. Click here for an in-depth pictorial study. |
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(Exodus 25:8)
This week's Torah reading of Terumah, (Exodus 25:1-27:19), features the crystal clear and eternal commandment to the children of Israel to build for
The Temple Institute was founded twenty two years ago upon the message of these words, for the purpose of promulgating these words, researching, investigating and disseminating this sacred imperative, this urgent call to the children of Israel who have returned to the land of their forefathers to take up their sacred responsibility and engage at once in the building of a house for
As we dispel ignorance and increase knowledge we are witness to more and more Jewish men and women, young and old, whose hearts are reawakening with the desire and yearning for the Holy Temple and the Divine service to be returned to the heart of the nation of Israel's relationship with the Almighty and the center of daily life and worship.
Righteous Gentiles are also becoming part of the historic and prophetic calling for the restoration of the sovereign nation of Israel in the land promised her by
We take this opportunity upon the annual reading of Exodus 25:8, "And they will build Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst," to restate our commitment to the fulfillment of this commandment, vital to the spiritual wellbeing of all mankind:
"Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon My altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." (Isaiah 56:7)
(We have utilized the popular US World War I recruiting poster designed by James Montgomery Flagg in order to illustrate the straightforward nature of the Torah commandment, "Build Me a sanctuary." The three words, "I WANT YOU," with the outstretched finger of the guileless Uncle Sam pointing directly at the observer graphically embodies the very straightforward message of the Biblical command.) |
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This week's Torah reading of Terumah, (Exodus 25:1-27:19), is fully preoccupied with the building of the mishkan - the tabernacle. To learn more about the structure of the mishkan, please click here. |
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| If you are a member of the Temple Institute and have received correspondence from us in the past, and have since moved to a new address, please let us know. | ||||||||||||||||
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| This week's TEMPLE TALK, with Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven, is a rebroadcast from one year ago, parashat Shemot, as Rabbi Richman is currently in the USA. | ||||||||||||||||
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100's of Jews Converge on the Temple Mount
"Let us go up to the house of the L-rd:" Hundreds of Jews visited the Temple Mount during the eight days of the Chanukah holiday. The visits were made possible through the Temple Institute's new program designed to encourage and enable Jews to visit the Mount and fulfill the commandment of mora'a haMikdash - showing reverence to G-d at the site of the Holy Temple. Interested in learning more about Project Let Us Go Up to the House Of The L-rd? Contact us. |
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SIR ISAAC NEWTON, THE FATHER OF MODERN PHYSICS, exerted great intellectual effort in an attempt to unlock lost secrets contained in the dimensions of the Holy Temple that stood in Jerusalem. And just this week, the week of Chanukah, the eight day festival celebrating the rededication of the second Temple, 2005 Nobel laureate Yisrael Aumann paid a visit to the Temple Institute's "Treasures of the Holy Temple" exhibition in Jerusalem's old city. ROBERT J. (YISRAEL) AUMANN, PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF MATHEMATICAL ECONOMICS at the Center for Rationality, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Thomas C. Schelling of the University of Maryland, were corecipients of the The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel 2005, more commonly known as the Nobel Prize in Economics. Professor Aumann won the prize for his groundbreaking work in the field of game theory. PROFESSOR AUMANN WAS ACCOMPANIED BY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, and spent more than two hours viewing the recreated Temple vessels. His grandchildren, the four year olds included, displayed both great curiosity and familiarity with the subject of the Holy Temple and the vessels used in the Divine service. Upon leaving, Professor Aumann shared that this visit was a very unique experience for him, one he will never forget. We at the Temple Institute were honored to receive this most distinguished visitor. |
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Temple Mount Refuse Reveals Two Coins of Historical Significance
Some 2,200 years after the historic rebellion against the Greek tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes IV who sought to oppress the Jews and forcibly prevent them from observing the Torah, a coin bearing his name and image was unearthed at the Temple Mount rubble archaeological site in Jerusalem, (top image, front and back shown). The site was established nearly ten years ago, after the Moslem Wakf illegally excavated soil from the Temple Mount and discarded it in a nearby ravine. Following strong protest by concerned citizens, including Israel's top archaeologists, Gabi Barkai and Zachi Zweig, two archaeologists, had the many tons of refuse moved to another site where they began conducting a scientic dig in an attempt to recover remnants of the Holy Temple possibly buried in the refuse. To date, their dig, conducted with the help of thousands of volunteers has unearthed invaluable artifacts from the second Temple period. A second, no less startling discovery took place at the same time when a fourteen year old volunteer working at the site uncovered a silver half-shekel piece, of the kind described in the book of Exodus, (30:11), and collected among the children of Israel throughout the entire Holy Temple era, for the purpose of funding the public daily offerings at the Holy Temple. The newly discovered half-shekel was minted at the Holy Temple itself, (bottom image, front and back shown). To view 2nd Temple remnants uncovered previously, please click here. To learn more about the The Temple Mount Antiquities Salvage Operation, please click here. |
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| The Temple Institute calls upon the G-d fearing public, all those who wish to perform the commandment of morat haMikdash - showing reverence to the (site) of the Holy Temple, to join us in ascending to the Temple Mount this upcoming Chanukah. As was the case last year, (see picture above), many leading rabbis will be participating in the aliya. If you are interested in ascending the Temple Mount in strict accordance with Jewish law, please contact us for the specific date and hour of the ascent. We will be happy also to answer any questions concerning the proper preparations necessary for the aliya. | ||||||||||||||||
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| The Temple Institute is at this time in the preliminary stages of pre-publication preparation of the world's first in-depth ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HOLY TEMPLE KNOWLEDGE. Over one thousand entries are included in this revolutionary work. The encyclopedia has been researched and written by the scholars of the Temple Institute's Torah academy. The contents reflect the highest level of scholarship and detail. The publication is copiously illustrated and all of the entries are extensively footnoted from the vast sources of Torah knowledge. For the first time in history, these Temple related topics will be readily available to a vast audience. This encyclopedia has been written in Hebrew, and is currently being translated into English by Rabbi Chaim Richman. For more information, please click here. | ||||||||||||||||
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Recipient of 2008 Israeli Ministry of Education Award for Jewish Culture
On Thursday evening, October 23rd, 2008, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, director of the Temple Institute, received the Yaakov Egerst Memorial Award for Jewish Culture presented by the Israeli Ministry of Education. Rabbi Ariel was a unanimous choice for his work and initiative in establishing and developing the institute. In awarding the prize, the committee wrote, among other things, "The capital of the Jewish people has always been called Jerusalem, the city of the Temple. The Temple stands at the center of the Jewish experience in the Bible, in the [words of the] Sages and the counting of the commandments, and occupies a central path in Jewish history and the Israeli life cycle. Rabbi Yisrael Ariel took upon himself the illustration of this idea to the public at large. Toward this end, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel established the Institute for Research and Building the Temple, better known as the Temple Institute, about 20 years ago. "In the course of the years, the institute has gone and developed, and today consists of many arms, including a research institute, an exhibition of Temple utensils, Temple literature, a college and more... The activity of the institute expresses the initiative of an educational and cultural enterprise which is translated into educational and organizational activity, as well as artistic literary activity which has a practical value for the education and knowledge of adults and youth." The ceremony took place at the Yad Sarah House in Jerusalem.
(excerpted from IsraelNationalNews.) |
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Hakhel Ceremony is Performed on the Temple Mount
While the nations of the world are being rocked by financial turbulence and meteorological volatility, in the holy city of Jerusalem history is being written with a steady hand amidst increasing signs that the long awaited redemption is at last drawing near. Wednesday, October 15th, the first day of Chol Hamoed, (1st day of the intermediate days of Sukkot), the designated day for the biblically commanded Hakhel ceremony: This year over 1000 Jews arrived at the Temple Mount's Moghrabi Gate entrance in order to perform the once-in-seven years commandment. To learn more about this historic event and to see photographs, please click here. |
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Wednesday, October 15th, the first day of Chol Hamoed, (1st day of the intermediate days of Sukkot), the designated day for the biblically commanded Hakhel ceremony, was a very busy day for both the nation of Israel and the Temple Institute. While conducting an on-the-Temple Mount Hakhel ceremony for the first time in 2000 years, the Temple Institute's entire staff was also busy with last minute preparations for a second Hakhel gathering, this one in the Gan Tekuma park adjacent to the Jewish Quarter inside of Jerusalem's old city walls. To learn more about the Hakhel celebration and to see pictures of the event, please click here. |
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"Then, Moses commanded them, saying, 'At the end of [every] seven years, at an appointed time, in the Festival of Sukkot, [after] the sabbatical year, when all Israel comes to appear before HaShem, your G-d, in the place He will choose you shall read this Torah before all Israel, in their ears. Assemble the people: the men, the women, and the children, and your stranger in your cities, in order that they hear, and in order that they learn and fear HaShem, your G-d, and they will observe to do all the words of this Torah.'" (Deuteronomy 31:10-12) On Wednesday, October 15th, the first day of Chol HaMoed Sukkot, (the intermediate days of Sukkot), the Temple Institute in cooperation with other Holy Temple and Temple Mount movements will be conducting a reenactment of the Hakhel ceremony first described in Deuteronomy 31:10-12. The Hakhel ceremony involves the gathering of the entire nation of Israel during the Sukkot festival which occurs at the conclusion of the shmittah, (seven year sabbatical period of rest for the land of Israel), in the courtyards of the Holy Temple, at which the king of the nation of Israel reads to the people of Israel from the Holy Torah. The Holy Temple is not standing today, nor is there a king in Israel, but Rosh HaShana 5769 has marked the conclusion of the shmittah year, and the Hakhel reenactment will take place. The ceremony will include the reading of Torah passages, the sounding of silver trumpets, (provided by the Temple Institute), and much music. Leading rabbis will address the assembly and popular singers of Torah based songs will provide entertainment. A short film describing the water libation festival which took place in the Holy Temple over the Sukkot festival, will be screened. The centerpiece of the ceremony will be the unveiling of the just-completed kiyor nechoshet - brass laver, produced by the Temple Institute. (Click here and here to learn about the kiyor nechoshet.) Other recent initiatives of the Temple Intitute, such as the golden crown - tzitz - of the Kohein Gadol - High Priest, priestly garments, and the Kinor David - harp of David, will be on display for all to see.The ceremony will take place at 4:30 PM, Wednesday, October 15, at Gan Tekuma in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The public is cordially invited to attend. |
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The Raveh family, a secular family from Haifa has commissioned the writing of the first Sefer Torah - Torah Scroll - to be placed in the Holy Temple - in remembrance of family members that were murdered during the Holocaust. The Raveh family asked to write a Torah Scroll in their memory and requested that it should be written specifically for the Holy Temple. The Torah Scroll, say Shoshana and Rafael Reva, is meant to unite the nation and be brought in to the Holy Temple when it will be built. Family members asked to point out that "the fact that a secular family is preparing a Torah Scroll for the Holy Temple - the first since the destruction of the second Holy Temple, will shatter the myth that there exists divisions within the nation of Israel and will also strengthen and unite the nation, because we are all brothers." The family requested that the ceremony of the opening of writing the Torah Scroll begin at the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. Until the Torah Scroll will enter the Holy Temple, it will remain in the Temple Institute and will be used for functions to bond the Jewish nation. The Temple Institute's founder, Rabbi Israel Ariel, said, "the most central part of the Bet HaMikdash - Holy Temple - is the Holy of Holies, and inside is the Torah Scroll from Moshe Rabeinu - Moses our master. It symbolizes the unity of the people Israel and for this, the Holy Temple was built." Among the guests were the popular singer Ovadya Hamama, who performed on behalf of the festive occasion, Rabbi Uri Amos Sharki, Rabbi Meir Vender, and, of course, the entire Raveh family and many friends. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Raveh family expressed their gratitude that fate had merited them with the opportunity to write the first Torah Scroll for the Holy Temple, and voiced their prayer that this Torah Scroll will help to increase unity and joyfulness for the nation of Israel, and that by merit of the increased joy and unity the Holy Temple will be built. |
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Now Every Tuesday!
Beginning September 9th, TEMPLE TALK, With Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven will be aired every Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Israel time. Your local time is listed below: |
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Official Wakf Document:
As suspicions arise that the lame-duck Israeli government led by Ehud Olmert is working feverishly to arrive at an eleventh hour agreement with the Palestinian Authority's Abu Mazen to divide the city of Jerusalem, which would include relinquishing complete control of the Temple Mount to Palestinian and Moslem hands, the Temple Institute has just acquired a copy of the OFFICIAL 1925 SUPREME MOSLEM COUNCIL (WAKF) GUIDE BOOK TO THE TEMPLE MOUNT in which the Temple Mount's clear and unshakable connection to the G-d of Israel and His people Israel is openly admitted. This admission contradicts the current Palestinian/Moslem claim that the Holy Temple never stood upon the Temple Mount, and that the Mount is the sole possession of the Moslem nation. At this time, when the cowardly government of Ehud Olmert is all too willing to accept the deceitful Moslem claim at face value in an attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of its own people, (and all nations which desire the rebuilding of G-d's Chosen House), and rob them of this most holy site on earth, it is essential to expose the current Moslem lie. And what better way than through their own words. To read more, and to view a facsimile of the entire 1925 guidebook, please click here.
Expunge All Mention of Holy Temple
A 1950 Wakf Guide Book also preserves the historical connection to the first and second Holy Temple. However, by 1954, the Wakf guide book had expunged all mention of the Holy Temple. To read more, and to view a facsimile of relevant pages of the 1954 and 1965 guidebook, please click here. |
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 Work continues apace on the new copper laver being produced by the Temple Institute, and this past Wednesday, (19 Av, 5768/August 20, 2008), an important step forward was taken: the copper keter, or ornamental crown, which will be affixed to the top of the laver, was completed and delivered to the Acco based factory of Shlomo Buchbut, where the laver is being prepared. To read more and see photographs of the ornamental crown, please click here. |
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 Recently the Temple Institute organized a harvest of the tola'at shani worm used in producing the crimson dye essential for making the avnet - the sixteen meter long belt of the common priests, as part of our goal to manufacture 120 sets of lay priest garments ready for use in the Holy Temple. However, the quantity of dye needed to produce the 120 belts was simply more than could be provided for by the local harvest. So the Temple Institute sent an emissary to Istanbul, Turkey, where he purchased in the open market one kilo (2.2 lbs) of tola'at shani worms harvested from the mountains of Turkey. He asked the merchant to package the worms in two separate half-kilo vacuum packs. If you are curious how a half-kilo of vacuum packed tola'at shani worms looks like, please click here. |
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 Ascending the Temple Mount on the 9th of Av
Tish'a B'Av (9th of Av) 5768: While thousands mourned and fasted below in the Western Wall Plaza, hundreds of observant Jews ascended the Temple Mount in strict accordance with halachah (Jewish law). To read more and to see photographs of the visit, please click here. |
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 ON THE AFTERNOON OF THE 13TH OF TAMMUZ (JULY 16TH), the Temple Institute organized an historic event: the first tola'at shani - crimson worm - harvest in the land of Israel in perhaps 2000 years. The location of the harvest was the Samarian hilltop village of Neve Tsuf. The immediate purpose for the event was the need to gather the crimson worms for the purpose of creating the avnet - the sixteen meter long belt for the bigdei kehuna - the priestly garments now being produced by the Temple Institute. The long-term goal was to educate a new generation about the elusive tola'at shani, how to harvest it, and how to produce from it the crimson dye prescribed in the Torah for a number of Temple related purposes, including the priests' avnet - belts, the scarlet wool tied onto the se'ir l'azazel - the scapegoat - on Yom Kippur, and one of the essential ingredients for producing the ashes of the red heifer. Click here to learn more about the tola'at shani, and to see pictures from the crimson worm harvest. |
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| TEMPLE MOUNT RED ALERT: The People Respond to Police Discrimination on the Temple Mount
(Latest news update posted October 29, 2009) |
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| New! Temple Mount advocate takes Jerusalem Post to task for derogatory editorial. For more details, click here.
New! Moslem Wakf officials distance themselves from Moslem Mount inciter Raed Salah. For more details, click here. New! Columnist Freund champions Temple Mount cause. For more details, click here. New! Temple Mount Rights activist asks for court protection from police. For more details, click here. Israel Education Minister Gideon Saar proposes school trips to the Temple Mount. For more details, click here. For the complete News Updates Archive, click here.
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New Contact Information Added! If you are writing a letter to express your anger, here are some samples:
Click here to send an email directly to the Prime Minister of Israel's office: pm_eng@pmo.gov.il
Click here for the snail mail and email addresses of the Israeli Ambassador to the United States and Israeli Consul Generals in various regions of the U.S.
If you would like to contact President Bush, your congressman/woman, or the Secretary General of the United Nations, please click here. |
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| Exclusive Video Temple Mount Footage From the Summer of 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
| In August, 2005, the latter half of the month of Av, Rabbi Chaim Richman, accompanied by several friends, ascended the Temple Mount. This visit was documented on camera. In this classic visit to the Mount, in strict accordance with Jewish halachic law, Rabbi Richman takes the viewer on a complete tour of the holiest site on earth. You will learn the history of the Mount and where the Sanctuary and its courtyards were located, and you will also see stark evidence of the illegal Moslem destruction on the Mount presently taking place. You will witness the difficulties experienced by all Jews who visit the Temple Mount today. You will stand literally meters away from where the Holy of Holies once stood and will stand again. Footage of this nature has never before been presented for public viewing. Now it can be viewed online. The 90 minute long video has been reformatted into three parts, and is now available on The Universal Torah Network: Click here. The Temple Mount Tour is now available on DVD, Please click here for details. To see still photographs taken on the same visit, please click here.
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| The Golden Menora: Moving Closer to its Destination
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| On the second night of Chanuka, 5768 (December 6, 2007), the golden menora prepared by the Temple Institute and fit for use in the Holy Temple, was moved from the archaeological site of the Roman Cardo in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, to its new location, alongside the Yehudah Halevi staircase leading from the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall Plaza. There it overlooks the Temple Mount, site of the future Holy Temple. A small move, perhaps, for the golden menora, but a giant leap forward for mankind, as the rebuilding of the House of G-d becomes one step closer. The journey of the golden menora and its joyous rededication ceremony have been vividly captured on camera. We invite you to view the stunning footage and join us in the excitement of this historic moment.
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| In the spirit of the Maccabees who purified the Holy Temple and rekindled the golden menora, the golden menora which today stands in the Kardo, is moving this week closer to its intended destination - the Sanctuary of the Holy Temple itself - may it be rebuilt soon in our days. To learn more about this historic happening, and to view photographs of the menora being prepared for transport, click here. To see photographs of the menora being moved, click here. To see photographs of the rededication ceremony of the Golden Menora, in its new location, which took place on the seventh night of Chanuka, (Tevet 2/December 10), click here.
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| "And make a plate of pure gold, and engrave upon it, like the engravings of a signet: Holy to HaShem... And it will go upon Aaron's forehead..." (Exodus 28:36-37) Just completed: The tzitz of pure gold, fashioned by the craftsmen of the Temple Institute, and ready to be worn by the High Priest in the Holy Temple. With gratitude to HaShem, and with thanks to all whose generous support has made this possible, in these dark days of the Annapolis "Peace" Conference, and the cynical disdain being shown by the world's leaders for all that is holy, the Temple Institute is proud to unveil the Golden Crown of the High Priest. May the completion of the tzitz be seen a sign of the commitment of the Jewish nation and of all those who devote their lives to the G-d of Israel, to the honor of HaShem, and to His holy house, "... a house of prayer for all nations." (Isaiah 57:6) To see a photograph of the newly completed tzitz, please click here. To watch a five-minute video presention of the tzitz, please click here.
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 All glorious is the king's daughter, (bat melech), within the palace..." (Psalms 45:14)
NEW: The Temple Institute is pleased to announce a brand new online video series. Entitled
To learn more about the
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The Jerusalem Municipality's Department for Torah Education and Culture annually awards a special prize to five new books in the area of Torah education. This coveted prize is only awarded to publications of excellence, that are recognized as great contributions to society. This year, in honor of 40th year of Jerusalem's unification, this prize focused on the subject of Jerusalem, and five prizes were awarded for books that concentrate on the subject of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. The Temple Institute's scholarly rendition of Tractate Yoma, with detailed research culled from the fruit of the labors of the Institute's advanced research academy, was chosen to be one of this year's five award recipients. The prize was received in a ceremony that took place on December 31st, 2007. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Jerusalem, as well as prominent rabbis and public figures. To learn more about Tractate Yoma, or to purchase the book, please click here.
Rabbis Yisrael and Azarya Ariel of the Temple Institute Research Center receive the award from Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski. |
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| The Mystery of the Red Heifer Divine Promise of Purity 
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| On the ocassion of the weekly Torah reading of Chukat (Numbers 19:1 - 22:1), we invite everyone to visit our Red Heifer section, dedicated to exploring the history and traditions concerning the red heifer, whose ashes alone have the ability to purify all those who have become ritually impure through contact with the dead. The reintroduction of the red heifer - raising it and preparing its ashes - is an essential milestone on the road to the rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the renewal of the divine service. Learn how and why this simple animal plays so large a part in the spiritual wellbeing of the nation of Israel- and of all the nations: The Mystery of the Red Heifer.
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| New Red Heifer Video Teaching
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| Click here to view Rabbi Richman's seven minute video teaching on the Red Heifer, in honor of the reading of Parashat Parah Adumah (the Red Heifer, Numbers 19:1-22) on this upcoming Shabbat.
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| Listen to TEMPLE TALK, Rabbi Richman's weekly radio show, airing every Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Israel time. To check your local times, and for more details, click here. Previous shows can also be downloaded from this page.
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| The Mystery of the Red Heifer Divine Promise of Purity
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| On the ocassion of the weekly Torah reading of Chukat (Numbers 19:1 - 22:1), we invite everyone to visit our Red Heifer section, dedicated to exploring the history and traditions concerning the red heifer, whose ashes alone have the ability to purify all those who have become ritually impure through contact with the dead. The reintroduction of the red heifer - raising it and preparing its ashes - is an essential milestone on the road to the rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the renewal of the divine service. Learn how and why this simple animal plays so large a part in the spiritual wellbeing of the nation of Israel- and of all the nations: The Mystery of the Red Heifer.
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The Temple Institute has prepared a brand new Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah program, especially designed for families from overseas who wish to celebrate their simchah here in Jerusalem. To learn more about the fun and educational experience that awaits you, please click here. (PDF file) Click here to see pictures from our latest bar mitzvah celebration! |
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| Want to learn more about how the Jewish festivals of Passover, Shavuoth, and Sukkot were celebrated during the time of the Holy Temple? How Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur were observed? Would you like to consult a timeline of the history of the Holy Temple? Come visit our Study Tools page.
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| Building the Third Temple: A Worldwide Commitment
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| The Temple Institute has recently welcomed our first member from Saudi Arabia. We now count our members from fifty eight different nations around the globe. Yearning for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, and the renewal of the divine service, knows no borders. People from the four corners of the world are joining us at The Temple Institute, and together we are forging ahead, teaching and learning, and increasing Temple consciousness around the world. To view a map showing the countries in which our members live, please visit our new World Wide Membership page.
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| The Temple Mount: Why We Go Up
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| Please note the following new features we have added to our Temple Mount section: The commandment of Mora Mikdash, revering G-d's Holy Temple, applies in our day, just as it did in the days of the Rambam (Maimonides). To read his lucid explanation of the commandment, both in the original Hebrew, and in English translation, with commentary, click here.
In October 2003 the Temple Mount was again opened to non-Moslems, ending the three years of exile that followed the latest eruption of Arab violence. Things looked bright as police eased restrictions, but the recent change in police minister, and the government's new political agenda, have led to an egregious deterioration to the civil and religious rights of Jews wishing to visit the Mount. To read more, click here. A recent visitor to the temple mount was kind enough to send us the photographs he took while atop the holiest spot on earth. To view them, click here. We have just revised our bird's-eye view of the Temple Mount. Now, when you mouse over the image, you will see the path taken by all who visit the Mount in strict accordance with Jewish law. Click to see. We have also seen fit to feature the above mentioned "Rabbinical ban" article and response on its own page, as part of our expanding Temple Mount section. Click to see.
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The Temple Institute website is an ongoing project of the International Department of the Temple Institute, Jerusalem, Israel. Web site hosting and programming copyright ©2000-2009, graciously provided by Web site contents, including all text and images, copyright ©1991-2009, Rabbi Chaim Richman & The Temple Institute. All Rights Reserved. |
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