Posted on 10/21/2007 7:32:48 AM PDT by Alouette
(IsraelNN.com) A historic first: Last week, during a special visit to the Temple Mount, the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) was recited there, for arguably the first time since the 1st-century destruction.
The Blessing is recited daily in synagogues in Israel by descendants of Aaron the Priest, and only on festivals in the Diaspora.
The special visit was held to commemorate the 842nd anniversary of Maimonides's famous visit to the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site. A group of some 25 Jews, organized by the Temple Institute in Jerusalem, marked the special day with a commemorative visit. Giving extra-special meaning to the occasion was a spontaneous Priestly Blessing delivered to the group by Yehuda Katz, the lead singer of the Reva L'Sheva band, and Eliezer Breuer, originally of the former Soviet Union and now from Kiryat Arba.
Rabbi Chaim Richman, one of the organizers of the trip, said, "This was probably the first time since the destruction of the Temple [1,928 years ago] that the Priestly Blessing was delivered on our holiest site. At times like these, when there is talk of giving away our precious places, and when despair is sometimes in the air, events of this nature serve to remind us that G-d has not forgotten about us, and that He still has big plans for both us and the Holy Temple - and that the Temple will yet become the focal point of the world once again."
Another notable aspect of the visit was the welcoming attitude of the police. "In an unusual departure from standard procedure," one participant said, "we found that the police were particularly sympathetic to our needs. At one point, when the Moslem Wakf guards started yelling that we were praying, one of the policemen took our side and even threatened to remove them if necessary."
Maimonides, also known as the Rambam, made his historic visit to the Temple Mount on the sixth day of the month of MarCheshvan in the year 1166 (4926 in the Jewish calendar). Unanimously considered one of Judaism's greatest figures, the Rambam wrote that he put himself in danger to make a trip to Jerusalem, where he entered "the Large and Holy House [the Temple Mount] and prayed." Three days later, he also visited the Machpelah Cave in Hevron, and vowed to commemorate the anniversaries of those days as his personal festivals for years to come.
Last week's visit was also led by Rabbis Yisrael Ariel and Yehuda Glick. Rabbi Ariel is a former Yeshiva head, founder of the Temple Institute, and one of the paratroopers who took part in the 1967 liberation of the Temple Mount. Rabbi Glick made news briefly over two years ago when, as Director of the Absorption Ministry's Ashkelon region, he became the first public official to resign in protest over the plans to withdraw from and destroy Gush Katif.
Though the Chief Rabbinate disagrees, the Yesha Rabbis Council has ruled that one who ascends and visits the Temple Mount while adhering to three conditions - prior immersion in a mikveh; keeping the laws of Awe of the Temple (no leather shoes, proper respect, etc.); and knowledge of the precise permitted areas - is fulfilling a "great mitzvah [Torah commandment]."
"The more Jews who visit this holy site," Rabbi Richman told Arutz-7, "the more cooperative the police are with us and the more respectful they are of our needs - as some police officers have indicated to me. And the more we encourage Jews with stories like what happened last week, the more they will come."
“We face existential troubles, but nonetheless, it appears as though the ability to perceive reality as it is, all that it entails, and to act in order to distance danger and overcome it, is an ability that the Jewish people lack.” —Netanyahu
http://blogcentral.jpost.com/index.php?cat_id=&blog_id=50
This is terrific news. I highly recommend Temple Talk with Rabbi Chaim Richman. Every week on www.israelnationalradio.com . He is a Tzaddik in my book.
Very cool.
I used to keep up with biblical archaeology. At the time, these verses were the oldest known example of Hebrew writing. They were found on a tiny piece of copper used as jewelry.
It’s much more difficult for Israel than 5,10,30 years ago because Muslim power has been increasing all this time. Muslims are stronger, have more weaponry much more petro-dollars.
Hizballah showed exactly how to take on Israel. There was not a repeat war this summer because we have 3 aircraft carrier groups off Iran and Iran would not give the OK. Eventually Hamas and Syria will imitate Hizballah which means firing rockets/missiles into Israel. Then when Israel sends in land forces they will be hit with a wide array of RPGs and anti tank missiles. Some up to date and some older ones. This destroys the advantage of Israeli armor
Last summer (2006) Hizballah was firing anti tank missiles at Israeli positions, not just tanks
When Israel attacks the missile launching positions from the air the destruction gets broadcast by Arab satellite and inflames the Muslim world. Death and destruction is inevitable because the missile and rocket launchers are in populated areas. Hizballah loves this carnage. Muslims get to play the victim on the world stage
The Muslims have constant pressure on Israel. They encircle Israel. This gives some Israelis Stockholm Syndrome
just read it....thanks
endtimes beep bump or what have you??
-ccm
I always note when you guys use our stuff. I cannot recall a Christian wedding that I have attended that did not include the priestly blessing.
ML/NJ
Oh I have heard this blessing read or said all my life - raised a Presbyterian and now a Baptist. Thanks for learning more about its importance.
Every daily news report brings the ancient prophecies from God’s Word into the light of modern events.
Am studying the book of Daniel right now. All about Babylon and the time when Israel was captive in Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar and now Darius the Mede has brought that ancient seat of Satan, Babylon, under the rule of the Medes and Persians....I think that’s right. Coming under the slieuce(sp) gate after diverting the Euphrates River....and after Belshazzar had held an orgy feast using the Holy vessels from Jerusalem’s temple, so arrogant and confident in his power and his “power”.
God is not mocked. He WILL eventually bring justice for His beloved....and even in one hour....His enemies will be destroyed.
Thank you for this information and I would like to be on this ping list, Alouette.
High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel. or WOT [War on Terror]
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More like The Dome Of The Crock..
Excellent!
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