A Man Prays at the Kotel - Why I Took This Photo

The Kotel (the Western Wall in Jerusalem - also known as the Wailing Wall) is that one special place in the world that it seems the entire world cannot run away from. They are forever streaming towards its holiness - from everywhere!

Here is the place where there had once stood the two holy Temples - the first built by King Solomon himself! It was the place in which the Divine Presence would manifest Itself. Of course, the Divine Presence is everywhere - but were It to expose Itself to everyone at every one period of time - we would all expire into ecstatic union with It. Much like a person cannot look into the sun directly without turning blind - unless he would wear strong sunglasses, so too would it be impossible for the soul in a body to perceive the light of Divinity without some sort of protection. Therefore God created a world where His Presence would be hidden from everyone - with just enough light allowed so as to allow for existence to feel itself as having its own nature - as if it is itself only - detracting from the point, that everything is included in the One. When the moment comes however - this will change, and all of creation will perceive the Light - with souls included in their bodies... 

Nevertheless it was still His will to allow His existence to be perceived in at least one location in a world made of time-space. This place would be built physically by Man (though it is certain that miracles must surely have occurred to allow for the building of this splendid Palace.) No metal instruments were used in its building - because how can one allow that which is used to destroy (to kill) in building something made to build, to create and to bless - something that is for life? For this purpose, the Creator had made a creature in the world known as the Shamir. It was a very small worm, but it had a miraculous ability to cut through the hardest of stone without barely even touching the stone. It was an amazing creature - created for just this purpose. Its whereabouts today are either not known - or perhaps it has disappeared from all existence... 

Here, in this Palace that He allowed us to build - He would allow his Presence to be perceived. Depending on the location within it, His Presence would be perceived even more... until ultimately culminating in the Holy of Holies - a place where only the High Priest would be permitted to enter - just once a year - in the utmost of purity - in every respect. This would be on the holiest day of the year - Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement. Here, the High Priest would perceive the highest levels of Divinity. Perhaps we can safely say that only the Kohein Gadol (the High Priest) could actually ever know what that experience must have been like - since after all - nobody else would enter... 

The Babylonians destroyed the First Temple made by King Solomon. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in the year 70CE. One wall - however - remained. It is this wall that people from all over the world come to pray - because they know that it is here that the Divine Presence rests. It has never really left this place. It is a place of prayer - it always will be. Everyone comes to pray... men, women, children. Those who are Jewish - and those who are not. In fact, one should not be surprised to find out that many non-believers have stood at this very "Wall" lacking any belief in a soul of any kind - only to walk away feeling rejuvenated, believing in a Creator and having a desire to come closer to understanding more about themselves, their souls, and the meaning of life... 

Here, a man has come to pray. I don't know if he is Jewish or not but his stance tells me he is need of answers. His body language is enough to tell me he feels frustrated. He is need of salvation! He has realised that some places are holier than others - and if he is to pray in the strongest way possible - then he has come to the right place! He may well pray in his own bedroom at any time he wants - or his own private temple - wherever that might be... but he has chosen to pray in a place which maintains its holiness always. He knows that here - he may pour out his heart. Here - his prayers will be heard. The answer may not always be yes - but his prayers will be heard. He knows the value of this place. Surely so - or else, he would not be here. 

It is not the stones to which he prays. In fact, it is not even to the outside section of this wall that he prays. Rather, his mind cleaves to the Presence of Divinity that rests here. The holy section really rests on the other side of this wall - but it has been destroyed! Perhaps - he may even be considering how he too would like to see the building built up again as it was once before in all its glory - where all prayer was answered in the best possible way - in ways of revelation, visibility and manifestation... 

This is the Kotel - the Western Wall - located in the holy city of Jerusalem in the Land of Israel. It is a place for everyone to come to and to pour their hearts out in prayer. There is no discrimination against anyone - for every soul needs its needs taken care of. Every soul wishes to cleave to Divinity. Every soul desires Life - Ecstasy - Expiration! Here at the Kotel - one can feel it! One must be sensitive to it, prepared for it, and willing to give in, to nullify oneself. 

This man has done so. He is willing to acknowledge his need in a Higher Being than himself. 

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17 Tammuz: What there is. What there Can be...

The 17th of Tammuz marks the date of the beginning of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It began with the breaching of the walls and continued, until ultimately on the 9th day of the month of Av the Temple was set alight, and burnt to the ground. Our main physical reminder of the Temple is the Kotel HaMaaravi – the Western Wall.

The Temple is the ultimate structure we all long for. A tiny blog post of just a few lines will surely do no justice to the loss we actually have. While the physical building is a certain loss, it is nothing in comparison with the power behind this "building" and its ultimate message – complete peace and freedom – for every single person and for every single thing. Our fasting represents in our efforts of mourning, but a spark in comparison to the fierce flames that burnt the building down. 

Many are surprised to hear that there are many outstanding and ordinary individuals that recite the entire Tikun Chatzot prayers every single evening at the correct time (6 hours after the stars come out – according to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Midnight (based upon timed-hours, not 12pm exactly) according to the Shulchan Aruch and other sources.) 

Yet others are surprised to learn that when building a new home, one must leave a patch of the inside area completely exposed, never to be painted properly – all as a remembrance of the destruction that occurred. And yet there are still others completely oblivious to the law in Jerusalem of not playing music at a wedding or Simcha (except for one instrument only i.e. a drum!) – in memory of the destruction around us. Still others ignore the fact that provided they pray as indicated by Jewish law, they will include at least three prayers every single day asking for the rebuilding of the Temple!

It may seem like we mourn this destruction for just three weeks of every year, but those that know what the real loss is mourn it every single day… every moment. Ever found yourself crying over not having enough money to pay the bills? You're mourning the destruction – and you may not even know it. Ever found yourself in physical pain? You're mourning the loss of the Temple without even knowing it! But these are really just the ice-breakers of what the pain to us is really all about when it comes to truly appreciating our loss.

I'd like to share a story. It could be written on any post, but it somehow fits in well with the general theme of loss, of destruction, of a lack of appreciation, of our readiness to humiliate, laugh and scoff at everything around us without a care in the world of appreciating true greatness. I think it gives us the ability to consider people differently, and ultimately realise what true growth is, what true greatness is, and perhaps even encourage us to take the necessary steps in building the Beit HaMikdash – today!

The story is told about the great Posek (ruler on Jewish law par excellence) – Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (1895-1986). He grew up in Russia and by the age of 16 (according to at least one authoritative opinion) had already been through and mastered the entire Talmud and Shulchan Aruch – the basic keys to the entire Jewish tradition! He was said to have worked through these texts hundreds of times in his lifetime!

Times were exceptionally difficult for the Jews of Russia during the years that Rav Moshe was growing up. For those wishing to find out just what he went through, there is a published biography of his life by Artscroll publishers. In addition for even further insight – the 8th book of the Igrot Kodesh includes a comprehensive biography – not to be skipped!

In his late 30's Rav Moshe had to flee Russia and he had to do so fast! He did not know which place would be better for him – but he decided to flee to the USA. Ironically, though this would become the huge centre of Torah it is today – back in those days it was not an easy thing to get a job as a Torah teacher (of any kind) there! Friends and family convinced Rav Moshe not to come to the States. How would he ever get a job? Who would employ him? He was just a rabbi. Nobody wanted a rabbi in America!

Rav Moshe however knew well the danger of remaining in Russia. Not only was one's physical life at risk, but worse, one's very spiritual life was in danger. Staying in Russia meant, that even if one would be a great rabbi, it could be quite realistic to assume that one's children would lack a Jewish education – perhaps not even know what Jewishness meant!

Rav Moshe had his answer ready to all those that condemned his "irresponsible" decision to immigrate to the USA. He told them that as far as he was concerned, even if he would be required to sweep the streets (and not be able to focus on Torah learning or teaching ever again,) he would sooner be living in America and be able to give his children the chance of living as Jews, than to risk the dangers of living in Russia!

Of course, Rav Moshe could certainly have stayed behind in Russia and hoped for the best. However, he took the brave choice of moving to America just to give his children the opportunity to live as free Jews! To be able to learn Torah without the threat of immediate death. And even if it meant sweeping streets, this would be far better than not giving them any education at all.

The story is a beautiful one. But something is missing! We know how it all ended up. Rav Moshe became the Gadol HaDor – the giant of the generation in terms of Halacha. No serious student of Jewish law will begin to rule – without a thorough knowledge of Rav Moshe's Teshuvas (responsa) as published in his 8 volume Igrot Moshe – answers of questions dealing with just about every part of life one can imagine! Answers so encyclopaedic in nature, that one can only but marvel that the author must have had the entire Torah closer to his finger tips than any of the most modern computer disks with the entire Torah on a disk! The answers came out at speeds faster than a computer with quotations and relevant points being written much as one would write a letter to one's friend (without even the need for hours of thought!)

So what is the missing link in the story?! It seems like everything worked out well – didn't it?! The missing link is right there – in the thirties – those years that Rav Moshe was making plans to go to America. While Rav Moshe was preparing for the possibility of becoming great (the great man he was indeed to become) the rest of the world, friends and family – no less(!) were warning him that his Torah was not needed. Nobody would pay for it, and if he would have been lucky – he could have merited to sweep the streets to earn his way in life.

And what a loss that would have been to the world. Of course, in retrospect, everybody could clearly see just how great Rav Moshe was, but in the present, they were not prepared (sic). They were prepared for nothing less than insults, complaints, criticisms and a variety of other most negative statements!

Has the situation changed? Have we yet come to appreciate the value of a Torah scholar – or do we constantly feel him to be a waste of time? Would it indeed be better for him to sweep streets, pack shelves, and clean houses, than to study and be able to contribute something worthwhile to the world? Of course, not everyone is a Rav Moshe. But I guess… had Rav Moshe ended up sweeping the streets, the world might never have been able to make such a statement… because Rav Moshe would not have become Rav Moshe.

Our acknowledgment of the greatness of another and his desire to succeed in a given field not only gives him the encouragement to want to become that great person, but in addition, we quite often find that life turns around, and the one so encouraged, ends up bringing blessing to the entire world including the one who did the encouraging!

Of course, this is no less true of the Temple either. As we look at the "street sweeper" as it lies in ruins (right by the Kotel), we consider it too as nothing less than ruins – something old, something destroyed, something worthy of nothing. But in truth, the soul of the Temple is still there, and is waiting to be woken up. Our Torah study and our Mitzvot literally bring it to life.

When we encourage another instead of criticize; when we appreciate the other for who they are; when we see their greatness even where it does not yet show (and may never too!); when we begin to realise what there can actually be – then we begin the process of growth, one that builds mountains, one that builds lands and countries, one that builds the world, and ultimately builds the most precious of all buildings – the Beit HaMikdash itself.

Of course, we all have free choice. We can see another human being as a street sweeper. And we can see a building as a ruin. Alternatively we can be greater than the average Joe. Where others see street sweepers, we can see giants! And where others see ruins – we can see the beginnings of freedom, happiness, satisfaction and goodness. What a wonderful world – if only we could open our eyes.  

Learn About the Holy Temple - Between 17 Tammuz and 9 Av

RACHEL CRIES FOR HER CHILDREN...

As with all the different periods of time throughout the year, there are certain parts of the Torah that need to be studied further – at those points in time.

SUGGESTED READING FOR THE THREE WEEKS:

1. Ezekiel Chapters 40-end. These chapters discuss the vision that the prophet Ezekiel saw as an angel took him to the site of the 3^rd Temple, showing him it’s every chamber. Although the Second Temple had still to be built, Ezekiel was already being shown the 3^rd Temple – as this would be the final House that G-d would/will build to dwell in. For a more complete understanding of Ezekiel – it is suggested that the reader learn the entire book from the beginning, as the mysteries of the Maaseh Merkava – the Divine Chariot are spoken about in the first chapter – the means through which Ezekiel – and all prophets enter in order to experience their visions. For more information about this see “InnerSpace” by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan.
2. Rambam Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Chosen House) found in the Rambam’s Halachic work “Yad HaChazaka” under the section of “Avodah” – “Service”. The Rambam teaches the laws concerning the Temple, its dimensions, contents and more.
3. Tractate Midot – “Measurements” – the section of Mishna dealing with the measurements of the Second Temple.
4. “Secrets of the Future Temple” – Mishkney Elyon by the Ramchal – translated into English by Rabbi Avraham Greenbaum (see picture below). This book discusses the vision of Ezekiel (Chapters 40-end) explaining the kabbalistic mysteries to every part of the 3^rd Temple to be built. Diagrams of the various parts of the Temple are included. (This book can be purchased directly through this site. Please contact us for more information.)
5. “The Third Beis HaMikdash – The Third Temple” by Rabbi Shalom Dov Steinberg – with complete diagrams of everything discussed.

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STUDYING IN ORDER TO DO…

BUILDING THE BEIT HAMIKDASH

We are taught to study the laws of the upcoming festival 30 days before it arrives. This blog points out a number of other worthwhile learning projects to work through – for example learning the entire Rambam within a one year period. One learns Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) between Pesach and Shavuot – and in fact should continue with one chapter a week every Shabbat after Minchah right up until Rosh HaShanah. One should learn Tractate Sotah during the period between Pesach and Shavuot.

During the 3 week period beginning with the 17 Tammuz until the 9^th day of Av – known as Tisha Be’Av (9 Av) there are also certain parts of Torah we need to concentrate our learning on. The idea is to keep up with the times – learning those parts of Torah most relevant to the time we find ourselves in, so that the learning we do should impact us the most at that point in time. This focuses us on the time period we are in and makes us unify much easier with what is required of each of us at that point in time. The learning in and of itself is only the start. The main thing is that it should lead us to improve our ways, to understand what we need to do – and to actually do as “Action is the Main Thing!” But “Torah is greater than action… because it LEADS to action!”

On the 17^th of Tammuz began the destruction of the Holy Temple which culminated in absolute destruction on the 9^th of Av – three weeks later.

In fact there were 5 things that happened on the 17^th of Tammuz:

1. The first tablets which Moses was carrying to give to the Jewish people, were destroyed. This was due to the Jewish people serving the Golden Calf as they awaited Moses who had been on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights, thinking that he had already died.
2. The offering of the daily sacrifice was suspended in the First Temple.
3. The wall of the city was breached in the time of the Second Temple.
4. Apostomus the wicked burned the Torah.
5. An idol was placed in the Sanctuary.

While G-d was busy bestowing the Torah to the Jewish people and giving them a place in this world to connect with Him in the highest ways possible, the Jewish people were off on their own mission, allowing various idols to obstruct their vision of G-d. (Are we changing?!) Whether it was the Golden Calf, allowing an idol to be placed in the Sanctuary, or allowing the sacrifices to stop being offered, the Jewish people had given up on the value of what it meant to have a Torah – and more importantly a place to house it in, in the lower worlds below.

What can we do today – what can we learn today to help us appreciate what it means to have a Beit HaMikdash – a Holy Temple? What were the mysteries behind this apparently physical structure? Was it just a large, magnificent building designed by man?

In fact, our Sages teach us that not only was this Temple for the Jewish people, but for the benefit of the entire world completely! The 70 lambs that were offered as sacrifices during the festival of Sukkot were actually to atone for the nations of the world – and to bring blessing to them! As our Sages teach, the nations of the world had no idea what they were doing to themselves when they destroyed the Holy Temple!

The Temple is the root source of all blessing in this world. Without it, we are left wandering around this world wondering what life is all about. With the Temple, we become aware of the manifestation of G-d in the lower worlds. Through our service in it, we bring blessing to all.

Today, we have lost touch with the value of a massive building structure used to slaughter animals in it – on a mass scale! So much so, we have even left its remains to be owned by the other nations of the world who destroy it’s purity by planting trees and other “structures” upon it, totally against what it actually stands for. In addition many Jews unknowingly walk upon holy areas of the “abandoned” building not realising the prohibitions involved.

We, as human beings and not angels, see with our physical eyes, judging everything in accordance with our own minds, not realising the reality of the holiness of this building – what was actually done in it, and how as a result of all this, blessing is bestowed into the world.

Therefore, at this period of time, during these three weeks, we should focus our learning on this neglected – but core and most vital topic of Torah – the Beit HaMikdash. That “building” that was destroyed in this time. As the Torah teaches, a generation in which the Temple is not built in – it is as if they themselves destroyed it! Therefore our sole mission and focus should be in learning about its beauty. This should awaken us to realise just what it is that we have lost.

After all, one who loses something without even knowing what he had in the first place will certainly not miss his “loss”. Instead we are to study the gift that was given to us, in the hope that we will come to appreciate its value, so that we are able to literally cry over the loss. This should inspire us to rebuild the Temple spiritually through our acts of goodness and kindness, so that when it is built spiritually, the form from on-high will descend downwards from heaven to earth, building the final physical structure.

May we merit through our learning during these three weeks and our focus on the subject of the Temple, that indeed it be rebuilt before this Tisha Be’Av and that our righteous redeemer appear, revealing himself, taking each of us out of the exiles we all find ourselves in, bringing us into the King’s True Palace, a place of mysteries, beauty beyond the greatest physical delights, and most of all the place where each of us will literally be able to experience and feel the connection and closeness between us as human beings, and G-d Himself. And then we will see and know, that G-d is One and His Name is One. Amen!