Model of the Temple
Model of the TempleIsrael news photo: (Temple Institute)

On Wednesday this week, the Aish HaTorah center in Jerusalem's Old City plans to unveil a one-of-a-kind model of the Temple. The model will be located in the Aish headquarters, overlooking the Kotel (Western Wall) and the Temple Mount.

The model will be unveiled at 11 a.m. It will be the focal piece in a museum dedicated to Judaism and the Jewish idea, "Aish" directors said. The museum will be open to all.

The model is unique in two ways, its designers say. For one thing, it is the largest of its kind. In addition, it will be the first to provide a view inside the Outer Sanctuary. An elevator system will move parts of the model, allowing visitors to view depictions of the Holy of Holies, the menorah and the Ark of the Covenant.

Aish director Ephraim Shore expressed hope that the new museum, and the Temple model in particular, would educate Jews and non-Jews alike about “the centrality of the Jewish connection to Jerusalem and the Temple Mount.”

Poll: Israelis Want to Rebuild the Temple

Most Hebrew-speaking Israeli adults would like to see the Temple in Jerusalem rebuilt, according to a Ynet-Gesher survey released late last week marking of Tisha B'Av. Sixty-four percent of Israelis, including almost 50 percent of secular Jewish Israelis, expressed support for the reconstruction of the Temple.

More than 500 people were questioned for the survey.

Ninety-seven percent of those surveyed knew that Tisha B'Av is the day on which the first and second Temples in historic Jerusalem were destroyed. Eighty percent said they believe it is still appropriate to commemorate the destruction of the second Temple, which occurred almost 2,000 years ago.

Sacrificial Altar Under Construction

The Temple Institute began construction on a sacrificial altar on Thursday, Tisha B'Av. The institute has already built several other Temple vessels, including the Ark and the menorah.

Work on the altar commenced during a ceremony in Mitzpe Yericho. Those who came to the event were invited to join in the work.