Temple
There were two Jewish Temples, or battei mikdash (singular: beit mikdash) that stood in ancient Jerusalem. The first was built by King Solomon and destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, and the second was built in the late sixth century BCE with the blessing of the Persian Empire and was later destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. These Temples were the central site of Jewish sacrifice and pilgrimage while they stood. The destruction of these holy Temples was tragic, traumatic, and completely transformational for Jews and Judaism. The Temples and the service of God that took place there are described extensively in Jewish texts, as are their destructions and practices surrounding how they are mourned to this very day.
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The Miraculous River from the Holy of HoliesTALMUD
The Miraculous River from the Holy of Holies
TALMUD
The future river flowing from the Holy of Holies symbolizes a miraculous source of purification and spiritual renewal. The Talmud and midrashic literature describe a prophetic vision of a spring originating from the Holy of Holies, growing into a river that purifies as it flows through Jerusalem.
Changes in the Second TempleREFERENCE
Changes in the Second Temple
REFERENCE
The Second Temple period saw significant changes in Jewish practices and objects compared to the First Temple. Gershom Bader’s early 20th-century work details the specific omissions and adaptations in the Second Temple, such as the absence of the Cherubim and the Urim and Thummim.
Preserving Jewish Scholarship During the Siege of JerusalemCOMMENTARY
Preserving Jewish Scholarship During the Siege of Jerusalem
COMMENTARY
R. Yochanan ben Zakkai's actions during the siege of Jerusalem were vital for preserving Jewish scholarship after the Beit HaMikdash's impending destruction. He negotiated with Roman general Vespasian to save Yavneh and its sages and secure medical care for R. Tzadok. The Gemara (Gittin 56b) recounts his escape in a coffin to meet Vespasian, whom he correctly predicted would become emperor.
The Golden Vine of the Beit HamikdashTALMUD
The Golden Vine of the Beit Hamikdash
TALMUD
The grandeur and communal involvement in the decoration of the Beit Hamikdash are exemplified by the golden vine ornament, showcasing the collective contributions and impressive scale of the Temple's adornments. The Talmud recounts the golden vine ornament at the entrance to the Sanctuary, where people would donate golden leaves, grapes, or clusters, and the significant effort required to move it.
The Destructive Power of Baseless HatredKABBALAH
The Destructive Power of Baseless Hatred
KABBALAH
Baseless hatred (sinat chinam) is considered the primary reason for the destruction of the Holy Temple and the prolonged Jewish exile. Rabbi Chaim Vital’s 16th-century Kabbalistic work, Sha'arei Kedusha, emphasizes the destructive power of harboring baseless hatred in one's heart.
The Hidden ArkTOSEFTA
The Hidden Ark
TOSEFTA
The fate of the Ark of the Covenant and its concealment by King Josiah is a captivating mystery that has intrigued scholars and believers for centuries. The Tosefta, an early compilation of Jewish oral law, presents various rabbinic opinions on the ultimate fate of the Ark and other sacred items from the First Temple.
The Three Firsts and Their RewardsTALMUD
The Three Firsts and Their Rewards
TALMUD
The three mentions of the word 'rishon' (first) in the context of the Festivals are linked to three significant rewards for the Jewish people. The teaching from Rabbi Yishmael's school connects these mentions to the eradication of Esau's descendants, the construction of the Temple, and the name of the Messiah, with scriptural sources provided for each.
Ancient Sukkot TraditionsGUIDES
Ancient Sukkot Traditions
GUIDES
The water libation and the encircling of the altar with willow branches during Sukkot are ancient rituals that highlight the significance of the Oral Torah in Judaism, particularly in the context of the Beit HaMikdash. Adin Steinsaltz provides a thorough account of these practices, which, though not explicitly mentioned in the written Torah, are considered traditions handed down from Moses at Sinai.
The High Priest's Sacred ServiceMISHNAH
The High Priest's Sacred Service
MISHNAH
The High Priest's service on Yom Kippur is a deeply intricate and sacred ritual, essential for the atonement of the entire Jewish people. The Mishnah, an early third-century codification of Jewish law, meticulously details the High Priest's actions, movements, and prayers during this solemn day.
The Fall of the TempleMIDRASH
The Fall of the Temple
MIDRASH
The events leading to the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) represent a crucial turning point in Jewish history. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, provides an in-depth narrative that examines the roles of the kings during this tumultuous period, including the renaming of Mattaniah to Zedekiah, and details the subsequent exile of the Jewish people.
Divine Blueprint for the First TempleMUSAR
Divine Blueprint for the First Temple
MUSAR
King David's divine inspiration and meticulous preparations for the construction of the First Temple underscore its profound significance and sanctity in Jewish history. Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz’s 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, details King David's plans and the divine guidance he received for the Temple, which was later executed by his son Solomon.
Yom Kippur Rituals ExplainedHALAKHAH
Yom Kippur Rituals Explained
HALAKHAH
The Kohen Gadol's intricate Yom Kippur rituals were central to the atonement of the Israelites' sins. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed’s contemporary work details the specific actions and procedures performed by the High Priest on Yom Kippur, including the sacrificial rites described in Leviticus 16:15-16.
The Joyous Celebration of Simchat Beit HaSho'eivahHALAKHAH
The Joyous Celebration of Simchat Beit HaSho'eivah
HALAKHAH
The unique celebration of Simchat Beit HaSho'eivah during Sukkot in the Temple included specific arrangements to maintain modesty and continuous festivities. Rambam, in his comprehensive legal code, details the joyous practices and gender separation during this special celebration in the Temple.
The Educational Power of Tisha B'AvJEWISH THOUGHT
The Educational Power of Tisha B'Av
JEWISH THOUGHT
Tisha B'Av serves as a crucial educational moment for both children and adults to internalize the historical and spiritual loss of the Beit HaMikdash. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's responsum emphasizes the importance of children observing mourning practices and adults using their imagination to recreate the lost spiritual universe.
The Joyous Dedication of the First TempleTARGUM
The Joyous Dedication of the First Temple
TARGUM
The dedication of the First Temple by King Solomon was a momentous event marked by communal joy and celebration. The Aramaic Targum to Song of Songs 3:11 recounts this historic dedication, emphasizing the Feast of Booths (Sukkot) and the crowning of King Solomon.
The Craftsmanship of Solomon's TempleTANAKH
The Craftsmanship of Solomon's Temple
TANAKH
The detailed craftsmanship and specific construction elements highlight the extraordinary skill and artistry involved in creating this sacred space. The biblical account in Kings I describes the intricate work of Hiram, including the engraving of cherubim, lions, and palms, as well as the creation and placement of the bronze lavers and other utensils.
Atonement in the Holy TempleLITURGY
Atonement in the Holy Temple
LITURGY
The procedures and locations for the holiest offerings in the Holy Temple, especially on Yom Kippur, are meticulously detailed, highlighting the importance of atonement. This text, part of the Yom Kippur prayers, commemorates the ancient Temple rituals performed by the High Priest for atonement.
