It was Tucker Carlson, a known purveyor of anti-Semitic ideas, who strongly suggested that the Chabad helped initiate the war in the Middle East because it wants the Third Temple rebuilt on the Temple Mount. While this is true, the method he described is not. It will not be accomplished through war, but through our good deeds.
So why do we want to build a Third Temple?
In the Torah, we learn about the Mishkan (the temporary Tabernacle) built in the desert, which traveled with the Jewish people to the Holy Land. It was the center of Jewish spiritual life until the permanent Temple was built in Jerusalem. Seventy years after its destruction, the Second Temple was built. The prophets told us about the eventual Third Temple, which will be built when Moshiach comes.
The concept of Tikkun Olam, repairing and perfecting this world, is our preparation for welcoming the Messianic Era. When Moshiach comes, the Third Temple will be built. This is not a uniquely Chabad idea; it is a foundational principle of Jewish faith. In fact, Maimonides lists it as one of the Thirteen Principles of Faith.
The unique rule that the Temples have in Judaism is worth exploring a little more deeply. Are the three different types of Temples a coincidence? Perhaps each one has uniqueness to them. Is there a reason why the Mishkan was temporary while the Temples were proper structures? Why wait until Moshiach comes to build the Third Temple?
There is a Midrash on this week's Torah portion, Pekudei, which discusses the building of the Mishkan. It teaches that when the Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies, it sang out in praise to G-d. A second opinion holds that it was not the Ark, but the Jewish people who sang. A third opinion is that it was G-d Himself who sang, rejoicing that the Ark had finally found a resting place.
These are not merely three opinions. They represent three stages in creating a dwelling place for G-d in this world:
- The Ark sings. The Ark housed the Torah and therefore represents it. When it was placed in the Holy of Holies, and when the Torah is placed in our hearts through study, it finds a true home.
- The Jewish people sing. Having a permanent home in which to serve G-d, the people rejoice. This service represents the Mitzvot we perform.
- G-d sings. When He sees the Jewish people studying Torah and observing the Mitzvot, G-d declares that He has finally found a home in this world.
These three ideas are also reflected in the three sacred structures:
• The Mishkan/Tabernacle represents Torah, as the Ark was its focal point.
• The Temples represent Mitzvot. The Ark was hidden toward the end of the First Temple period and absent during the Second, so the emphasis shifted to the service itself.
• The Third Temple will be a testament that G-d has found His home. His presence will be felt openly in our world.
Let us do our part and help G-d fulfill His wish, to feel that He truly belongs here.
Shabbat Shalom