this page last updated: Sivan 5, 5773 / May 14, 2013 49th Day of the Omer, Erev Shavuot
On the Festival of Shavuot, all of Israel participated in the pilgrimage to the Holy Temple, bringing their holiday offering: the first fruits of the harvest, brought from the seven species of the land of Israel: grapes, figs, dates, olives, pomegranates, wheat and barley. Each brought according to his means, and the poorer among them brought offerings in simple baskets of peeled willow-shoots. The King of Israel is here pictured, bearing his offering upon his shoulder, like all the pilgrims, but in a basket of gold.
Shavuot Sameach - Happy Shavuot!
The Temple Institute wishes a very happy and meaningful festival of Shavuot (Festival of Weeks) to the entire nation of Israel, to our members, supporters and students, and to all who attach themselves to the G-d of Israel. The two aspects emphasized by Shavuot, receiving Torah at Mount Sinai and bringing the first fruits to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, share one central message: We give in order to receive. When we acknowledge that even the first fruits of all our endeavors rightfully belong to G-d, then the doors of Torah knowledge and understanding will be opeed wide before us. Chag Sameach!
SHAVUOT TREASURES FROM THE VAULT!
THE SHAVUOT SPECIAL: First taped 5 years ago, Rabbi Richman's video teaching about Shavuot is well worth watching today. Please click here.
SHAVUOT: THE TORAH OF THIS WORLD: Recorded in 2009, Rabbi Richman's teaching focuses on the bringing of the bikurim - 1st fruits - to the Holy Temple. Please click here.
THE PILGRIMAGE EXPERIENCE: Rabbi Richman's video teaching describing the sublime experience of ascending to the Holy Temple for the festival of Shavuot. Please click here.
THE FESTIVAL OF SHAVUOT: CELEBRATING THIS WORLD: Rabbi Richman's video Shavuot teaching focuses on the centrality of the land of Israel to the Holy Temple celebration of Shavuot. Please click here.
RECEIVING TORAH ANEW: Receiving Torah doesn't begin or end with Mount Sinai or the Shavuot festival. We receive Torah every day. Video teaching by Rabbi Chaim Richman. Please click here.
LEARN HOW SHAVUOT IS TO BE OBSERVED IN THE HOLY TEMPLE: Fully illustrated description of the bringing of the first fruits and the Divine service in the Holy Temple on Shavuot. Please click here.
Light to the Nations Video Teaching Archive
Between the years 2006 and 2012, Rabbi Chaim Richman recorded over three hundred video Torah teachings, in a series known as "Light to the Nations". Nearly half of the teachings involved an in-depth, chapter by chapter explanation of the Rambam's, (Maimonides), "Laws of the Chosen House," dealing with the commandments concerning the building of the Holy Temple and its vessels, the various offices and chambers and priestly quarters which make up the Holy Temple complex. Other teachings are about the sacred seasons of the Hebrew calendar, focusing on the spiritual significance of the Holy Temple based festivals of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot, Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, as well as Chanukah, Purim, Yom HaAtzmaut, (Israel Independence Day), the twelve months of the year, and many other spiritually-charged days on the Hebrew calendar. Still other teachings are designed for Bnei Noach, in order to help deepen and enhance their Torah knowledge. These teachings are suitable for everyone. Begin your learning today! Click here.
Don't forget that every week Rabbi Richman records a brand new Weekly Torah Portion video teaching. These teaching are available on our Youtube channel.
Jerusalem Day: Reflections by Rabbi Yisrael Ariel
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.
Jerusalem Day This Wednesday: Start Getting Informed Now!
In the June, 1967 Six Day War, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel was a young soldier in the paratrooper brigade, led by Gen. Motta Gur, which liberated Jerusalem's Old City. He was one of the first soldiers to reach the Temple Mount. The very first night that the Temple Mount returned to Israeli sovereignty, Rabbi Ariel was assigned the duty of guarding over the Dome of the Rock, site of the Holy of Holies in the Holy Temple. Looking back at that time, he relates to the uniqueness of the moment, both universally for all Jews and for himself personally: the return of the Jewish people to this spot, the one place on earth that G-d has chosen for Himself, to begin the resumption of the Divine service. Indeed, this moment was a harbinger for the birth of the Temple Institute.
Pesach Sheni - Second Passover: Holiday of Second Chances
Numbers 9:1-13
"HaShem spoke to Moshe in the Sinai Desert, in the second year of their exodus from the land of Egypt, in the first month, saying: The children of Israel shall make the Passover sacrifice in its appointed time. On the afternoon of the fourteenth of this month, you shall make it in its appointed time; in accordance with all its statutes and all its ordinances you shall make it. Moshe spoke to the children of Israel [instructing them] to make the Passover sacrifice. So they made the Passover sacrifice in the first month, on the afternoon fourteenth day of the month in the Sinai Desert; according to all that HaShem had commanded Moshe, so did the children of Israel do.
There were men who were ritually unclean [because of contact with] a dead person, and therefore could not make the Passover sacrifice on that day. So they approached Moshe and Aharon on that day. Those men said to him, "We are ritually unclean [because of contact] with a dead person; [but] why should we be excluded so as not to bring the offering of HaShem in its appointed time, with all the children of Israel? Moshe said to them, "Wait, and I will hear what HaShem instructs concerning you."
HaShem spoke to Moshe saying: Speak to the children of Israel saying, Any person who becomes unclean from [contact with] the dead, or is on a distant journey, whether among you or in future generations, he shall make a Passover sacrifice for HaShem. In the second month, on the fourteenth day, in the afternoon, they shall make it; they shall eat it with unleavened cakes and bitter herbs. They shall not leave over anything from it until the next morning, and they shall not break any of its bones. They shall make it in accordance with all the statutes connected with the Passover sacrifice.
But the man who was ritually clean and was not on a journey, yet refrained from making the Passover sacrifice, his soul shall be cut off from his people, for he did not bring the offering of HaShem in its appointed time; that person shall bear his sin."
Second chances are not easy to come by in life, and when we are granted them we should grab them! Here in the desert, a group of individuals who, through no fault of their own, were not able to perform the korban Pesach - Passover offering - on the appointed day, the 14th of Nisan, didn't just wait for a second chance: they demanded a second chance to express their love and faith in G-d. This so moved Moshe that he directed their request to the very source of first and second chances - the G-d of Israel, Who at once commanded Moshe to declare that on the 14th day of the month of Iyar, one month exactly after Passover, a second opportunity will be granted, not just one time, but every year, to those who were unable to perform the commandment of the Passover offering on its appointed day. Thus was born, as a result of a grassroots request to G-d ear, Pesach Sheni - Second Passover - the holiday of second chances. What a beautiful collusion of man's desire to serve G-d, and G-d's love for those who serve Him. This is a second chance we cannot afford to forego!
To view Rabbi Chaim Richman's video teaching about Pesach Sheni, please click here.
Israel’s 65th Independence Day 5773/2013 - On The Temple Mount
TENS OF ENTHUSIASTIC, PATRIOTIC, TORAH-OBSERVANT JEWS celebrated Israel’s 65th Independence Day, (Yom HaAtzmaut), today by visiting the seat of Israel’s connection to this land and the veritable seat of the manifestation of G-d’s sovereignty on earth: the Temple Mount. The groups participants offered their 'clandestine' prayers of thanksgiving to the Almighty for the constant miracle that is the State of Israel and, as words of Torah and inspiration were shared, all expressed the thought that there could be no better place to acknowledge and give our thanks to the Creator for this intensely significant day. Despite provocations and threats by hostile Muslim hecklers to disturb the group’s experience, the visit was powerfully uplifting and all were encouraged and strengthened, and resolved to visit the sacred Mountain again and again. Yom Atzmuat Sameach - Happy Independence Day!
Chodesh Iyar: The Building of the First Holy Temple Begins!
Kings I, chapter 6, verses 1-14:
"And it was in the four hundred and eightieth year after the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt, in the fourth year, in the month Ziv [Iyar], which (is) the second month of Solomon's reign over Israel, that he did (begin to) build the house of HaShem.
And the house which king Solomon built for the Lord, the length thereof (was) sixty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.
And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits (was) the length thereof, before the breadth of the house, (and) ten cubits (was) the breadth thereof before the house.
And he made for the house windows broad within, and narrow without.
And against the wall of the house he built a chamber round about, (against) the walls of the house round about, (both) of the temple and of the sanctuary, and he made chambers round about.
The nethermost chamber (was) five cubits broad, and the middle (was) six cubits broad, and the third (was) seven cubits broad, for he made rebatements in (the wall of) the house round about on the outside, that (the beams) should not have hold in the walls of the house.
And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone finished at the quarry, and there was neither hammer nor axe (nor) any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.
The door of the lowest chamber (was) in the right side of the house, and with winding stairs they went up into the middle (chamber), and from the middle into the third.
And he built the house, and finished it, and he covered the house with panelling and joined planks of cedar.
And he built the chambers against all the house, (each) five cubits high; and he covered the house with timber of cedar.
And the word of HaShem came to Solomon saying,
(Concerning) this house which you are building, if you walk in My statutes, and execute My ordinances, and keep all My commandments to walk in them; then will I establish My word with you, which I spoke to David your father.
And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people, Israel.
And Solomon built the house and finished it."
Chodesh Iyar: The Building of the Second Holy Temple Begins!
Ezra, chapter 3, verses 8-13:
"And in the second year [370 BCE] of their coming to the House of G-d to Jerusalem, in the second month [Iyar], Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brethren, the priests, the Levites, and all who came from the captivity to Jerusalem commenced, and they stationed the Levites from twenty years old and above to conduct the work of the House of HaShem.
And Jeshua, his sons, and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, stood together to conduct the ones who did the work in the House of G-d, the children of Henadad, their sons, and their brothers, the Levites.
And the builders laid the foundation of the Temple of HaShem, and they stationed the priests in their attire with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise HaShem through David the king of Israel.
And they sang aloud with praise and with thanks to HaShem for it is good, for His kindness is eternal over Israel, and the entire people shouted with a great shout with praise to HaShem because the foundation of the House of HaShem was laid.
And many of the priests and the Levites and the heads of the fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first Temple when its foundation was laid, [when they saw] this Temple with their eyes, were weeping with a loud voice, and many with a shout of joy to raise [their] voice.
And the people did not recognize the voice of the shout of joy because of the voice of the people's weeping, for the people were shouting a great shout, and the voice was heard from afar."
Counting the Omer: Some Classics from the Vault!
We just can't say enough about the counting of the Omer, its source in the service of the Holy Temple, and its transformative effect on us today. Without further ado, here are three of our classic video treatments of Sefirat Ha'Omer - the Counting of the Omer:
UP FOR THE COUNT! Every day counts, if we count every day! The seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot provide for us ideal time for introspection and spiritual progress. Reflect upon your own soul and burnish your Divine image.
HANGING IN THE BALANCE: The great illumination of 'instant' freedom that we experience on the Seder night so often seems to pass us by. Slaves yesterday, free men today, we simply haven't the vessels to be able to absorb the great chesed - loving kindness - and enlightenment that G-d had blessed us with. For this we have Sefirat HaOmer - the counting of the days of the Omer, that prepares us gradually for the great re-illumination of G-d's light - receiving Torah on Mount Sinai.
SEFIRAT HA'OMER - COUNT FOR YOURSELVES!
Forty-nine days that can change your world: The forty-nine days between Passover and Shavuot, (between leaving Egypt and receiving Torah at Sinai), are days laden with awesome spiritual potential. The opportunity for growth is ours for the taking. We must count our days and make our days count!
The Temple Institute celebrates the 49 days.
SEFIRAT HA'OMER: WEDNESDAY: TODAY IS 29 DAYS OF THE OMER.
"HaShem spoke to Moshe, saying: 'Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: When you shall enter the Land that I give you, and reap its harvest, you shall bring an Omer from your first harvest to the priest. And he shall wave the Omer before HaShem, to be accepted for you. On the day after the rest day, (the first day of Passover), the priest shall wave it. On the day you wave the Omer, you shall perform the service of an unblemished lamb as a burnt-offering before HaShem. Its meal-offering shall be two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, a fire offering to HaShem, a satisfying aroma; and its libation shall be wine, a quarter-hin. You shall not eat bread or roasted kernels or plump kernels until this very day, until you bring the offering of your G-d; it is an eternal decree for your generations in all your dwelling places."
"You shall count for yourselves - from the day after the rest day (Passover), from the day when you bring the Omer of the waving - seven weeks, they shall be complete. Until the morrow of the seventh week you shall count, fifty days; and you shall offer a new meal offering to HaShem." (Leviticus 23:9-12)
Click here to learn more about the barley offering and Sefirat HaOmer - the counting of the Omer.
View a brief slide show depicting the barley harvest and the Omer offering during the time of the Holy Temple.
Chag Pesach Kasher veSameach - A Happy and Kosher Passover!
The Temple Institute wishes all our friends and supporters, the entire house of Israel, and all who attach themselves to the G-d of Israel, a joyful and meaningful Passover!
A Classic Passover Adventure
We invite you to join a young man by the name of Shlomo ben Ezra in our classic illustrated Passover Adventure, as he and his family make the pilgrimage from the Galilee to Jerusalem during the days of the second Holy Temple. Click here to learn all about the Passover celebration from the first preparations in the month of Adar, to the counting of the barley grain.
EXPERIENCING A GLIMPSE OF THE HOLY OF HOLIES!
On March 27th, the Temple Institute's New Holy Temple Visitors Center will be opening its doors to visitors. The New Center will continue to showcase the Temple-ready vessels that The Institute has created, as well as the much loved paintings depicting the Divine service in the Holy Temple. Included in the New center will be an experiential aspect of actually being in the Holy Temple, from its outer courtyards all the way to its most inner sanctum - the Holy of Holies.
Exciting new innovations and brand new audio-visual presentations will be added to the Center, additionally enhancing the experience in the coming months.
The New Holy Temple Visitors Center will be open, beginning March 27th, the first day of Chol Hamoed Pesach, (the intermediate days of Passover). The Visitors Center will be closed on Monday, April 1st, the Seventh Day of Passover, and will reopen on Tuesday, April 2nd.
Visits to the New Center will be conducted only in groups, led by a guide. The guided visit is approximately 45 minutes and individuals who arrive at the Center will be joined to a group. Initially, guided groups in English will take place at 2:15 and 4:15 in the afternoon. Additional times for English speaking groups will be added according to need.
WRAP-UP: THE 4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE MOUNT AWARENESS DAY ONLINE THREE HOUR STREAMING VIDEO HAPPENING!
This year's 4th Annual International Temple Mount Awareness Day Online Three Hour Streaming Video Happening was, by all counts, a tremendous success. We had many viewers, and a very lively discussion with tens of different people inside the chat-room. It was a wonderful opportunity for Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven to communicate directly with old friends and with new friends. We have also received many warm emails and phone calls since the conclusion of the premier showing of the International Temple Mount Awareness Day Event.
Please go to our wrap-up page where you can view the entire International Temple Mount Awareness Event and also see the names of the many sponsors of this year's Annual International Temple Mount Awareness Day Event. Many, many thanks to all those who were able to help us.
SUNDAY, MARCH 10th: THE 4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE MOUNT AWARENESS DAY ONLINE THREE HOUR STREAMING VIDEO HAPPENING!
6 PM - 9 PM, Israel time, (12 PM - 3 PM Eastern; 11 AM - 2 PM Central; 10 AM - 1 PM Mountain; 9 AM - 12 PM Pacific)
For three hours you will be able to meet unique and dedicated, generous and wise hearted people who have answered to G-d's call to "Build for Me a sanctuary." and have dedicated their lives toward bringing G-d's Shechinah back into the world. While you are hearing their words and watching their deeds you will also be able to ask questions and engage in discussion with Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven in our chat-room which will be available to all. To view the happening, simply go the the Temple Institute's website or Facebook page, and click on the red Livestream logo. Join us!
Part of the International Temple Mount Awareness Day experience is the opportunity afforded our viewers to take part in the Temple Institute's work toward the rebuilding of the Holy Temple by becoming a sponsor of the day's event. Sponsorships can be made online, or via (toll-free) 1-800-940-9121. Sponsorships can be made before, during or after the three hour event. We will be posting the names of our sponsors in the chat area of the live broadcast throughout the event. The names of our sponsors can already be seen online. Take an active role in the rebuilding of the Holy Temple: Become a sponsor!
Parashat Parah: Numbers 19
This coming Shabbat (March 2) we read the Torah portion concerning the statute of the red heifer - parah adumah. This is in preparation for the upcoming Passover holiday. When the Holy Temple is established it will be imperative for all who come to Jerusalem with their Pascal offering to first be purified via the ashes of the red heifer before thay can ascend to the Holy Temple. Click here to learn all about the red heifer.
Parashat Parah: The Kids are Alright
Click here to learn of the essential role young priests -pirchei kohanim - play in the preparation of the ashes of the red heifer.
Less than two weeks till the 4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE MOUNT AWARENESS DAY ONLINE THREE HOUR STREAMING VIDEO HAPPENING!
The month of Adar, the month of the Purim celebration and the month of preparations for the upcoming Passover festival contains eight days of special significance. Click here to go to our guide and learn about these eight days. Enjoy!
THE 4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE MOUNT AWARENESS DAY ONLINE THREE HOUR STREAMING VIDEO HAPPENING! WATCH THIS SHORT PROMOTIONAL VIDEO!
March 10th, 6 PM - 9 PM, Israel time 12 PM - 3 PM Eastern 11 AM - 2 PM Central 10 AM - 1 PM Mountain 9 AM - 12 PM Pacific
This year we are planning our most exciting International Temple Mount Awareness Day Online Happening ever! Click here for complete details!
COMING SOON: THE 4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE MOUNT AWARENESS DAY ONLINE THREE HOUR STREAMING VIDEO HAPPENING!
March 10th, 6 PM - 9 PM, Israel time 12 PM - 3 PM Eastern 11 AM - 2 PM Central 10 AM - 1 PM Mountain 9 AM - 12 PM Pacific
We will be mesmerized and brought to tears of joy by the extraordinary music and story telling of world renowned and much beloved Shlomo Katz. And much, much more!
THIS YEAR WE ARE PLANNING OUR MOST EXCITING INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE MOUNT AWARENESS DAY ONLINE HAPPENING EVER! CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS!
The Temple Institute Exhibition Hall: Temporary Change in Schedule
COMING SOON: THE 4TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE MOUNT AWARENESS DAY ONLINE THREE HOUR STREAMING VIDEO HAPPENING!
March 10th, 6 PM - 9 PM, Israel time 12 PM - 3 PM Eastern 11 AM - 2 PM Central 10 AM - 1 PM Mountain 9 AM - 12 PM Pacific
Once again the Temple Institute is proud to present our Annual International Temple Mount Awareness Day Happening. Awareness Day takes place each year during the week of Rosh Chodesh Nisan - the New Month of Nisan. Rosh Chodesh Nisan is
The anniversary of the dedication of the Tabernacle in the wilderness.
The first day of the Divine service.
The day on which fire descended from Heaven onto the altar, and the first day in which the Shechina, the Divine Presence, rested in the Tabernacle.
Nisan is the month of Redemption, the month in which our forefathers were redeemed from Egyptian bondage. But the month is called so not only because of the upcoming Festival of Passover and our ancestors' passage from slavery to freedom. Tradition teaches that in the future, as well, the great and final redemption will take place in Nisan.
The purpose of the day is twofold: to draw international attention to the plight of the Temple Mount, the holiest place on earth, where, currently, non-Moslems are not allowed to pray, and where a Moslem run campaign to destroy all existing remnants of the Holy Temple, and to deny that the Holy Temple ever existed, and to convert the entire Temple Mount into a Moslem-only site continues to be waged, day after day.
The Fourth International Temple Mount Awareness Day will be both entertaining and informative. Our main goal is to raise Temple consciousness and connect you with the Holy Temple, as we meet with people who have dedicated their lives to the Holy Temple and to rediscovering and revitalizing the disciplines, practices and knowledge that are part and parcel of the Temple experience and the wonder of the Divine service.
THIS YEAR WE ARE PLANNING OUR MOST EXCITING INTERNATIONAL TEMPLE MOUNT AWARENESS DAY ONLINE HAPPENING EVER! CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE DETAILS!
We Don't Mean to Sound Disrespectful, but it's Not Rocket Science!
"They shall build for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among them." (Exodus 25:8) It's really one of the more straight-forward commandments, and in Hebrew it's even simpler, (only five words). Why do so many people seem so mystified by this one specific commandment? Perhaps we're intimidated by something that requires assembly?
But the commandment "Build for Me a sanctuary," comes with complete instructions. We are told what materials to use, we are given precise dimensions, and we are told what fits into what. Of course, many of us are very challenged when it comes to following assembly instructions, whether we are trying to put together a crib for the grandson or a medicine cabinet for the bathroom. So for us assembly and instruction-challenged folks, we have a three thousand year old oral tradition featuring in-depth explanations of every facet of the Holy Temple and its sacred implements, culminating in the crystal-clear, user-friendly explanations of the Rambam, (Maimonides, Hilchot Beit HaBechira - Laws of the Chosen House), and, of course, the modern day efforts of the Temple Institute.There is nothing mystical or magical about the construction of the Holy Temple and the required sacred implements. It's just a matter of spreading out the instructions before us, rolling up our sleeves, taking a deep breath and getting started.Join us at the Temple Institute as we continue to assemble the sacred vessels of the Divine service, advance detailed architectural plans for the building of the Holy Temple, and work day and night to reinstill in Israel and all humanity the recognition of the supreme significance of the Holy Temple for G-d and man, and the burning desire to make it a reality at the earliest possible date.We're not dummies - We can make this happen!
Check out previous years' Parashat Terumah comments and artwork.
"According to all that I show you, the pattern of the mishkan and the pattern of all its vessels; and so shall you do." (Exodus 25:9)
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.
Obsessed: Open Letter to a Rabbi
An open letter to a rabbi in Florida who asked a member of his congregation, who had recently merited to ascend the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, “What’s this obsession with the Temple Mount?”
Please click here to read a powerful statement written by a righteous Gentile, an eloquent testimony to the innate longing of every human being for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the restoration of G-d's presence in His Holy House.
JEWISH PRAYER ON THE TEMPLE MOUNT
Jewish Prayer on the Temple Mount is guaranteed by Israeli law. Yet if the Israel police hear a Jew utter a prayer on the Temple Mount he will be arrested, effectively rendering Jewish prayer at Judaism's holiest site illegal. The official reason for banning Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount? Sensitivity to Moslem feelings.
Playing soccer at this Moslem school on the Temple Mount has long been banned by order of the Israel Supreme Court, as it was deemed inappropriate and disrespectful of a holy site. Yet the Israel police have consistently declined to take action to enforce the court ordered ban. The official reason for allowing Moslem soccer on the Temple Mount? Sensitivity to Moslem feelings.
The Upcoming Month of Adar and the Half-Shekel Contribution
THIS UPCOMING SUNDAY AND MONDAY (February 10-11) mark Rosh Chodesh Adar - the beginning of the new month of Adar, the twelth and final month of the yearly cycle that begins with Nisan, ("the first of your months" Exodus 12:2), the month of the exodus from Egypt. When the Holy Temple is standing and the Divine service is being performed daily, the month of Adar is full of preparations for the upcoming Passover pilgrimage festival which begins on the 15th of Nisan. In addition, the month of Adar is the month that the half-shekel is collected.
SHEKOLIM is the name of the group of verses, (Exodus 30:11-16), read in synagogues throughout the world on or before the first Shabbat of the month of Adar. This year it will be read on the Shabbat that immediately precedes Rosh Chodesh, (February 18). It is as follows:"And HaShem spoke to Moses, saying: When you take the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul to HaShem, when you number them; that there be no plague among them, when you number them. This they shall give, every one that passes among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary, (a shekel is twenty gera), a half shekel shall be the offering of HaShem. Every one that passes among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give the offering of HaShem. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give the offering of HaShem, to make atonement for your souls. And you shall take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a memorial to the children of Israel before HaShem, to make atonement for your souls."THE HALF-SHEKEL (MACHATZIT HASHEKEL) CONTRIBUTION was given annually for over a thousand years, being interrupted only by Nebuchadnezzar, whose army destroyed the first Holy Temple. The collection of the half-shekel was reintroduced by Nechemia and the returnees from Babylon, in preparation for the reconstruction of the altar and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. It was halted once more by Titus, the Roman destroyer of the second Holy Temple, in the year 70 ce, and finally banished by the emperor Hadrian some 65 years later.ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH OF ADAR, the public would be notified that the time had come to prepare for the half-shekel contribution. Collection stations would be set up in all the cities and villages of the land of Israel, as well as abroad. The annual half-shekel contribution provided the perfect vehicle for all the nation of Israel, both those of greater means, and those of lesser means, to express their concern and love for G-d and for His Holy Temple.HAVING COMPLETED THE LOCAL COLLECTIONS, emissaries would then transport the money to Jerusalem, where it would be collected and deposited into the Chamber of the Half-Shekel - located within the Temple Mount complex. Three times during the year the priestly treasurer would fill each of three separate coffers with the half-shekel coins. Three times a year the priestly treasurer would reenter the chamber in order to distribute the money as needed. And what were the half-shekel coins used for? For the purchase of animals for the communal sacrifices, such as the daily offering, and the festival offerings. In addition, the half-shekel contribution was used for the maintenance and enhancement of the Holy Temple and its many chambers and courtyards. The treasurer who entered the chamber was forbidden from dressing in an ostentatious manner, so as to alleviate any suspicion of him having dipped into the coffers for personal gain!TODAY WE ARE ON THE HISTORICAL EVE of the rebuilding of the Holy Temple and the renewal of the Divine service. An unprecedented spiritual awakening in Israel and around the globe, spearheaded, in great part, by the Temple Institute, is making this reality more achievable than ever before. The half-shekel contribution is every bit a relevant and meaningful expression of devotion to G-d and the rebuilding of His Holy Temple, as it was in the past. We take this opportunity to encourage all who want to play an active role in this great undertaking, to make this upcoming month of Adar, the month of the half-shekel contribution.
Weekly Torah Portion: Mishpatim
The Sinai revelation takes place in a desert no man's land, but the entire Sinai experience is a prequel and a dry run to the Daily Tamid Service of the Holy Temple through which the covenant at SInai is renewed, reconfirmed and made eternal each and every day.
Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18)
Parashat Mishpatim is read on Shabbat:
Shevat 29, 5773/February 9, 2013
Moving Closer Toward Completion
We are moving closer and closer towards the long-awaited opening of the Temple Institute's new Visitors Center in Jerusalem! To learn more about the new Visitors Center, please click here.
Step by Step
IT'S NOT ALL GLAMOROUS, but it's all part of the ongoing work to create for the world a glimpse into the Holy Temple not seen for two thousand years. To learn more about the new Visitors Center, here.
Turning Vision into Reality: The Temple Institute's New Visitors Center
THIS ARCHITECT'S RENDERING of one of the Temple Institute's new Visitors Center exhibition halls, is well on its way to becoming a reality. The soon to be completed Visitors Center should serve as a harbinger to the soon to be rebuilt Holy Temple. To learn more about the new Visitors Center, here.
Israel Election Day Visit to the Temple Mount
A LARGE ASCENT TO THE TEMPLE MOUNT was organized for Israel Election Day, (January 22). Election Day, in Hebrew, Yom HaBechirot, resonates with an honored name traditionally given to the Holy Temple, Beit HaBechira - the Chosen House. In consideration of this lingusitic connection, and in order to pray to G-d that we may elect strong and proud Jewish leadership, many tens of Jews went up to the Temple Mount early Tuesday morning. Joining the assembly were some forty members of the Rinat Yisrael Synagogue from Teaneck, NJ. They were led by Rabbi Yosef Adler. Over recent years Rabbi Adler has taken many of his congregants up to the Temple Mount, although for many in todays group, this was their first time. The group was guided by the Temple Institute's Rabbi Chaim Richman. Needless to say, proper halachic preparations were taken by all before ascending to the Mount and the group only entered areas permitted by halacha.
The latest tempest in the mucky teapot of accusations, blind hatred and unbridled hubris leading up to the quadrennial orgy that is election season in Israel, is the Tzipi Livni Movement party’s call for the disqualification of American-born Jeremy Gimpel, number 14 on the Bayit HaYehudi list and according to polls, a probable member of Israel’s 19th Knesset. To read more click here.
The Ark of the Covenant
It’s well-known that the Temple Institute has no intention of recreating the Ark of the Covenant, unlike all the other sacred Temple vessels that can be seen in our Jerusalem headquarters, ready for use in the soon-to-be-rebuilt Holy Temple. The reason for this omission? We know exactly where the original is hidden, and when the time is right, it will be reinstated in its proper place. For the original ark was neither lost nor destroyed – it was hidden away by King Josiah of Israel, in anticipation of the impending destruction of the Holy Temple by the invading Babylonian army. In a subterranean chamber deep within the bowels of the Temple Mount prepared especially by King Solomon himself, the ark lays waiting for its own redemption. Until that time arrives, the Temple Institute’s spectacular new visitors center will feature a beautiful model of the Ark of the Covenant, created for educational purposes, never before displayed publicly. In this photo the model of the Ark is seen being hoisted up to a workshop, where it will undergo repairs and renovation, before being displayed in the Temple Institute's new Visitors Center. Another giant step towards the rebuilding of the Holy Temple!
For more information on the new Visitors Center, please click here.
Special Delivery: Copper Laver
The Temple Institute is busy preparing for the grand opening of its new Vistors Center. The massive Copper Laver (Hebrew, Kiyor), stands 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) tall and 2.8 meters (9.1 foot) in diameter and is kosher for use in the Third Temple. Twelve priests - kohanim - can approach the laver and simultaneously purify their hands and feet. The Laver is seen in the photograph being lifted by crane onto a tractor which will deliver it to its new home in the Temple Institute's Jerusalem headquarters. The photograph was taken outside the Old City walls. The Mount of Olives can be seen in the background. The Laver, which has never before been on permanent display, will receive a place of honor in the new Visitors Center. To learn more about the Kiyor, please click here, and here. For more information on the new Visitors Center, please click here.
Moslem Snow-Missile on the Temple Mount
Yes, snow has fallen in Jerusalem, and while many Jerusalemites, young and old alike, have taken to making snowmen, the winter wonderland on the Temple Mount has taken on a different tone, where a snow-missile had been been made. The "missile" which includes the inscription "M75" is referring to the M75 missiles which were fired by Hamas into Israel during November 2012's weeklong Gazan offensive. Now the snow-missile couldn't have been made by Jews, as they are not even allowed to pray on the Temple Mount for fear that moving their lips will harm tender Moslem sensitivities, so let's guess: The snow-missile must have been made by peace loving Allah worshiping Moslems! We can only thank them once again for expressing their true hatred for G-d and His people on this, the holiest spot in the world. Too much to ask the police to remove this monument to monumental hatred, but eventually the sun will shine, no doubt to the great, uncontrollable consternation of Moslems worldwide, and melt, once again, their dreams of destroying Israel.
Come Rain or Shine
Jan. 9, 2013/Tevet 27, 5773: It has been raining in Israel four consecutive days, hard, driving, torrential rain. In many part of Israel today the rain has turned to snow. Snow has been falling sporadically in Jerusalem today, mixed with sleet, rain and hail. A steady snowfall is predicted to cover Jerusalem overnight. Imagine for a moment the kohanim - the priests - who performed the various aspects of the Divine service in the Holy Temple, day in and day out, did so, rain or shine, hail, sleet or snow, in their flaxen garments, and in bare feet. They didn't wear down-filled overcoats, thermal underwear, water-proof insulated boots, woolen hats, mittens or scarfs - only their flaxen garments, and in bare feet. Imagine the sense of duty, dedication and devotion that guided them and allowed them to precisely fulfill their daily tasks, whatever the weather. May G-d continue to bless Israel with abundant rain, and may we soon rebuild the Holy Temple, and merit to see the sons of Aharon - the kohanim - return to their Torah ordained mission of performing the Divine service in the Holy Temple, come rain or shine, hail, sleet or snow.
The Temple Institute's New Visitors Center: Making Steady Progress!
Work on the Temple Institute's New Visitors Center is progressing apace. Too soon to say for certain, but we hope to open the doors on our new center in early 2013! Click here for more information.
Presentation of Jerusalem Award to Rabbi Yisrael Ariel
On January 7th, 2013/Tevet 25, 5773, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, the founder of the Temple Institute received the prestigious Jerusalem Award in honor of his life's work. The award is a small but important token of recognition for one of the most important and revolutionary educators and visionaries in the modern era of the state of Israel. For 25 years, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel has been educating the public as to the imperative of rebuilding the Holy Temple, and the unparalleled part it will fulfill in reuniting nation with nation, and mankind with its Creator.
The award was presented on the first day of the two-day 10th Annual Jerusalem Conference, organized by the Arutz 7 News Site and the BaSheva weekly newspaper.
Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, Founder of the Temple Institute Receives Prestigious Jerusalem Award
On January 7th, 2013/Tevet 25, 5773, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, the founder of the Temple Institute received the prestigious Jerusalem Award in honor of his life's work. In the photo, lower left, he is seen receiving the award from Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. (Seated is Rabbi Chaim Druckman, was also received the Jerusalem Award.) Rabbi Ariel holds the Award in the lower right photo. The award was presented on the first day of the two-day 10th Annual Jerusalem Conference, organized by the Arutz 7 News Site and the BaSheva weekly newspaper.
Captured on Film: Illegal Arab Excavation on Temple Mount, Police Indifference
This footage was taken on the Temple Mount by Tzachi Devira, who is heard speaking to a police officer. We have added the English translation. (Click on the "caption" icon on the lower right and side of the video window, to see the translation.)
Tzachi Devira is the archaeologist who is responsible for the Temple Mount Sifting project. Tzachi and his team have sifted through hundreds of tons of debris that has been illegally excavated and removed from the Temple Mount by the Moslem Wakf. They have uncovered priceless remnants from both the first and second Holy Temple. The Wakf recently began again to dig illegally on the Temple Mount. Tzachi was able to attain an order from the High Court of Justice for the destruction to be halted. We see in the video that the Wakf is ignoring the court order in the presence of the police. Tzachi arrives with the court order in his hand and give the police little choice but to enforce the order. It is tragic that the police, instead of faithfully enforcing the law, are, in effect, aiding and abetting a crime of historic proportion: The intentional destruction of archaeological evidence of the first and second Temples.
The Temple Institute Achievement Awards
On Rosh Chodesh Kislev, 5773 (November 14th, 2012), the Temple Institute held a gala 25th anniversary dinner in Dallas, Texas. The program gave honor to the G-d of Israel, and expressed the Institute's gratitude and appreciation to its friends and supporters. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to individuals and organizations in recognition of the lives that they lead, and their special efforts on behalf of the one true G-d. These men and women have shown great dedication to bring the knowledge of G-d to others through outreach, education and acts of loving kindness. Each of the recipients, through their convictions and their efforts on behalf of others, embodies what the Holy Temple truly is all about: the reunion of the family of man in the one place on earth where G-d has chosen for His presence to dwell, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and from this place of exalted assembly to spread the knowledge of G-d to the four corners of the earth.
Please take the time to view these five videos and become acquainted with these fine individuals who have devoted their lives, their passion and their livelihoods to making the world a better place. Click here!
One of the beautiful features of the Gala Dinner was the Dinner Journal, which described the work of the Temple Institute, included a blessing from the Institute's founder, Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, and an introduction to the Awards Ceremony, which formed the main event of the day. The Journal also included many beautiful greetings from friends and supporters. We have now made the Journal available online in PDF format for all Temple Institute members. To download the Dinner Journal, please log in.
The Temple Institute is Moving to a New Location!
Bringing the Awesome World of the Holy Temple to an Unprecedented Level of Understanding
The Temple Institute is delighted to announce that after twenty five years of introducing visitors the world over to the sacred vessels of the Holy Temple and the dream, along with the practical measures being taken for rebuilding the Holy Temple, our headquarters will be moving in early 2013 to a new, expanded facility, which will include a brand new Visitors Center. Just a few hundred meters from our current location the new center will be located just above the Yehudah HaLevy stairs which lead from Jerusalem's Old City Jewish Quarter down to the Western Wall Plaza facing the Temple Mount. The new exhibition will include a highly advanced, state of the art presentation of the Temple-ready sacred vessels created by the Institute, garments of the High Priest, oil-paintings depicting aspects of the Divine service of the Holy Temple and model of the Holy Temple Complex. Visitors will also be able to see a scaled-down stone altar, made in accordance with Torah law, transportable and completely ready for use on the Temple Mount. Click here for more information.
Latest Online Video Teachings
All glorious is the king's daughter, (bat melech), within the palace..." (Psalms 45:14)
Bat Melech, featuring the teaching of Rena Richman, wife of Rabbi Chaim Richman, and an experienced educator in her own right. Rabanit Richman's inspiration is, through the Bat Melech series, to highlight the Torah's message to women. As with their male counterparts, the Torah's intention toward women is one of empowerment, enabling women, through their unique strengths and through the commandments with which they have been entrusted, to achieve tikkun - rectification - in the world. The Rabanit's current teaching is entitled: "THE ATTRIBUTE OF AARON, TWO PARTS: Aaron, the brother of Moses, was, in truth, the brother to all Israel and to all humanity. Embodying the attributes of loving-kindness and peace, he devoted his life to bringing peace and unity to husbands and wives, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, the entire congregation of Israel." Rena Richman?s teaching was recorded in the Hebraic Center in Lubbock, Texas, in the spring of 2011. It is being presented online in two parts. To view this show, or to access earlier episodes on the online archive, please click here.
The new October 27th teaching of Rabbi Chaim Richman's Light to the Nations, weekly half-hour online television Torah study series is entitled, "THE LIGHT OF THE NEW MOON: The sighting of and declaration of the new moon, as well as the celebration of the new moon inside the Holy Temple and out, constitutes a very intimate aspect of G-d?s relationship with Israel." To view this show, or the October 17th episode, or to access earlier episodes on the online archive, please click here.
Light to the Nations is now available for sale on DVD. For more information, please click here.
To learn more about the Light to the Nations upcoming broadcast schedule, its availability on DVD, and how to personally dedicate an episode of Light to the Nations, please click here.
Stay in touch with Torah: Listen each week to Rabbi Chaim Richman's brief teaching of parashat hashavua - the weekly Torah reading. To view this week's teaching on parashat Chayei Sara, (Genesis 23:1-25:18), please click here.
Celebrate Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah with The Temple Institute!
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!
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.
To view features which have previously appeared on the Events page, please go to TI Digest.
Light to the Nations
Moslem Snow-Missile on the Temple Mount 
