One of the greatest creations of Jerusalem was the Holy Temple. Both Temples were huge, impressive structures with a tremendous amount of detail. The artwork and architecture all followed careful instruction relayed to Moshe Rabeinu (Moses our teacher) by G-d. This took place when Moshe received the Torah on Mount Sinai. Much of the information of what was told to Moshe is written down in the Chumash.
In the book of Exodus we read about the miracles that happened in Mitzrayim as G-d sent one plague after another to demonstrate HIs control of everything that is, was or will be. Throughout Pharaoh is stubborn! He refuses to let the Jewish people go to serve G-d. Finally, after the 10th plague, where the first born of both human and animal families dies, Pharaoh relents and allows us to leave. Not for long though.
The Jews leave in haste and are about to approach the Sea of Reeds when Pharaoh is right behind. In a dramatic turn of events, we have no choice but to proceed. It’s either go into the sea or face being killed by Pharaoh and his army. Everyone knows the story of how Nachshon Ben Aminadav walks into the water until his nose and finally it splits. The water stands up in columns, like marble walls and the Jewish people walk through. We had just reached the shore and safety when the Egyptian army are right behind us.
Can you just imagine what kind of emotions this small nation must have been feeling? Plague after plague transpired. While Pharaoh hardened his heart and refused to let us go. We had been through enough with our slavery in Egypt, all we wanted was the right or the freedom to serve our G-d, the One, True Living G-d who is Master of all and Creator of all. There we stood, having escaped to safety only to have the Egyptian army right behind us within the Sea of Reeds. Suddenly, G-d commands Moshe to lift his arm over the waters and as he follows G-ds command, the waters close down again, covering the once powerful Egyptian army and burying them on the sea bed.
Having witnessed this event and following the direction of Hashem, we finally reach Mount Sinai. Once again there is great drama and many incredible effects. This was a time in history when the Jewish people were totally united as one. Together we stood at the foot of Mount Sinai and heard the first two commandments or utterances from G-d Himself. I can’t really say from the mouth of G-d as He is infinite and has no real mouth. The experience was so out of this world, so incredible that we requested that Moshe go up and receive the remainder of the Torah on our behalf.
Squeezed between Moshe receiving the Torah, coming down and learning about the clothing for Aharon and his sons and the details for building the Mishkan and the misjudgment of timing that lead to the sin of the Golden Calf, we learn about Betzalel and certain other wise Jews who would build the Mishkan. We were given clear instructions of all the details. From the colours and the metals to what material to use. We were told of the design with pomegranates and bells. We learned of the use of wood, gold, silver and copper. Every detail was covered. It’s still available for us to learn about.
So it is that Shlomo HaMelech, King Solomon finally built the first Temple in Jerusalem. A huge, incredible building where Heaven and Earth met. A place of many miracles. A place where blessing flowed from the Holy Temple to all of the world. How can it be that we stopped believing and following the word and instruction of G-d, Master of the Universe? How can it be that at a certain point in time an idol was brought into the Holy Temple? We had warnings. The warnings took place on the 17th of Tamuz. Today as the fast draws to an end, I’d like to share 3 beautiful and powerful videos.
The first is given by Rabbi Barnea Selevan who I met in my first year after making Aliyah. Gain some insight into the size of these walls. For those of us who live in the Holy City of Jerusalem, we have the opportunity to appreciate what the Temple was and to work towards the final Temple.
Let’s join Rabbi Selevan’s son Nachliel now for a very thought provoking video that shows us some of the Israel Museum and certain symbols that are relevant to today. Hear a little about the sin of the golden calf and the shattering of the Luchot.
Lastly, let’s circle back to a blog post I wrote a few years ago after visiting Ramat Rachel. In the post I offered the opportunity to join Rabbi Selevan on a tour of Ramat Rachel. Today you can get a snippet of what one can see and learn about at Ramat Rachel with our 3rd video and another tour guide.
I hope you enjoyed these videos as much as I did. Let me know in the comments below what you learned or gained from watching these videos. In what way doe these thoughts and videos move you towards yearning for our third and Final Temple?