Touching the Sacred – New perspective on the Jewish Temple and the Tabernacle

This is an initial translation of the introduction to my book “Touching the Sacred,” which delves into the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and the Tabernacle. The book presents a novel viewpoint on the significance and purpose of these holy edifices, linking them to the global legacy of sacred architecture observed in ancient temples across the world. I aspire that, in time, a more polished translation will be released, offering deeper insights into one of the most fascinating subjects within Israel’s spiritual realm.

introduction

The book “Touching the Sacred” adopts a universal perspective to examine a fundamental aspect of Jewish heritage. It seeks to explore the significance of the Temple in Jerusalem within the broader context of humanity’s innate longing for connection with the sacred and the profound relationship between individuals and their environments. To achieve this, the book delves into the tradition of sacred places and architecture, tracing its roots back to prehistory. It then progresses through the monumental temples of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Canaan, culminating in an examination of the refined principles of sacred architecture during the classical period.

From this perspective, comprehending the structure and function of the temple holds significance for individuals regardless of their religious or cultural background. Whether one identifies as secular or religious, Jewish or non-Jewish, the temple’s importance transcends its national and religious context. Understanding its architecture and purpose offers insights into broader aspects of human spirituality and collective consciousness, enriching the cultural heritage shared by diverse communities worldwide.

Indeed, the allure of temples holds a profound appeal for many, myself included. It pertains to a universal longing to discover that sacred sanctuary and experience moments of deep connection. We strive to surpass the ordinary and embrace the eternal and profound—a reflection of our soul’s yearning to find its true home. Throughout history, temples have stood as symbols of spiritual refuge, providing emotional and sometimes physical solace to those seeking communion with the divine. From this perspective, the essence of the Temple in Jerusalem lies in its capacity to foster a connection with the divine.

The book acknowledges the Temple in Jerusalem’s unparalleled significance within Judaism, rooted in divine commandment. However, it also posits that, like other ancient temples, it was constructed according to universal archetypes of holiness. It identifies the Temple as a world axis (Axis Mundi), an image of the world (Imago Mundi), representing both the universe and human design. These attributes align it with other prominent examples of sacred architecture from ancient times, as highlighted by eminent scholars in the field of religious studies.

The book aims to illuminate the Temple in Jerusalem from a universal perspective rooted in the understanding of the sacred, gleaned from my religious studies. To achieve this, it is essential to broaden the scope to encompass temples across various ancient cultures. Viewing the Temple in Jerusalem as part of a continuum of sacred architecture and art, we recognize it as one manifestation of a tradition shared by humanity. Thus, it becomes imperative to define the Sacred, delve into the universal tradition of sacred architecture, and temporarily suspend the notion of the Temple’s uniqueness and exclusivity.

I don’t deny that the Temple had unique aspects, and I acknowledge its distinctiveness compared to other structures. However, I propose contextualizing the understanding of the Temple within the broader context of humanity’s universal quest for the Sacred. Hence, the initial part of the book will explore preceding holy places and temples in Israel and worldwide, demonstrating that, particularly in terms of sacred architecture, the Temple in Jerusalem perpetuates a shared tradition.

Certainly, one could argue that Judaism introduced monotheism, distinct from the idolatry preceding it, shaping the course of religious thought. However, our book won’t center on this aspect. Instead, it will delve into the profound essence of the Temple, encompassing the rich tradition of sacred architecture in all its nuances. Moreover, it will explore the intimate relationship between individuals and places, evoking emotions and sensations associated with the Sacred. The Temple served as a nexus between realms, bridging the sacred, eternal, and profound with the earthly, temporal, and mundane aspects of existence.

The Temple in Jerusalem may no longer stand, but it remains one of the most extensively documented temples of the ancient world. From its technical specifications to its rituals, stories, references, and interpretations, we have a wealth of information about it. To delve deep into its essence, I intend to offer detailed descriptions of the Temple, the rituals conducted within its walls, and the experiences of pilgrims who visited it. Additionally, I will explore interpretations of the Temple found in Jewish sources, particularly mystical ones. It’s remarkable how vividly the Temple lives on in the collective memory of people, allowing us to envision and contemplate its magnificence even today in ways that are unmatched by other ancient temples.

In the extensive literature about the Temple, perspectives often range from religious and patriotic to scientific and historical. My approach offers a blend of these viewpoints while introducing another dimension—the intrinsic value of the experience of holiness itself. I believe that encountering the sacred is a fundamental aspect of human existence, akin to music, literature, and other forms of art. Throughout history, cultures across the globe have referenced deities, energies, and realms beyond, even in societies secluded from the rest of humanity, such as the Australian aborigines and Amazonian tribes. This “Touching the Sacred” perspective enriches our understanding of the Temple and its significance.

In the early 20th century, William James distinguished mystical religious experiences from religion as a set of rules. He demonstrated that mystics across various religions describe similar experiences and undergo comparable stages in reaching them. Following James, Rudolph Otto explored different types of religious feelings and highlighted that the initial religious experience is not necessarily tied to established religion but rather to a sense of being part of something greater. Otto referred to this as the feeling of the “numinous,” describing it as a fundamental experience inherent in every human being.

The Temple in Jerusalem invoked the religious feeling of the numinous among its visitors. Rudolph Otto argues that the songs of the pilgrims to the Temple, as depicted in the Bible, are among the most profound expressions of religious sentiment. The Temple aimed to connect people to the Sacred within themselves and in the world around them. Today, our culture generally prioritizes internal thoughts and emotions regardless of our physical location—a sort of “Mystical” approach to religion. However, in the past, emotions were often tied to specific places. People consecrated special places in nature and built temples to connect with God. I’m not suggesting a return to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian temples, but rather an effort to understand the significance of the Temple within this historical and cultural context.

The work of William James and Rudolph Otto in the early 20th century was further developed by one of the most influential scholars of religion, Mircea Eliade, whose insights demonstrated that even within secular cultures, there are inherent religious structures. These structures guide our quest for sacred time and space, offering a departure from the ordinary and temporal towards the eternal and sacred. Eliade’s theories, particularly regarding the connection between humanity and place, provide fresh insight into the significance of the Temple in Jerusalem.

In the book, I aim to elucidate the correlation between the existence, structure, and rituals of the Temple and the universal religious experiences of the pilgrims who visited it. I’ll demonstrate where overarching archetypes of sanctity manifest in the temple’s architecture, artwork, and ceremonies, including specific elements like colors, sacred objects, proportions, orientations, and more. Additionally, I’ll explore activities conducted within the temple such as prophecy, music, and chanting, as well as qualities like wisdom and purity associated with it.

The book before you largely endeavors to contextualize the narrative of the Temple and the Jewish legacy it embodies within the broader study of religions and humanity’s universal quest for the Sacred throughout history. Additionally, it seeks to offer a contemporary, personal, and inclusive interpretation of the Temple’s significance within Jewish heritage, without diminishing the importance of other religions

The writing of this book was, for me, a deep exploration into the collective subconscious of Jewish society within the context of Israel’s struggle for existence. Throughout the process, I revisited the perceptions and ideas instilled in me during my childhood regarding Jewish holidays, prayers, and the experience of being Jewish in Israel. In my attempt to connect the past with the present, I hope to offer an enlightened narrative that leads to future development and progress, from a universal perspective that recognizes our shared destiny as citizens of one world. It is my hope that you will find enrichment in reading this book, and that it may prompt a similar process of reevaluation regarding the temple and its significance..

At the end of the day, the temple was merely a means to touch the Sacred. What truly matters is whether a person can construct a temple within themselves, using the building blocks of their life’s beliefs, values, experiences, and creations. As the proverb says, “Build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.”

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Table of Content

introduction

Part one: What is the Sacred?

The appearance of the sacred

The religious person

The religious feelings

the trap

place and holiness

Part Two: Temples in History

Sacred place and Temple in prehistory

Temples at the beginning of history

The Temple in Megiddo

Temples in Sumer

Ancient Egyptian Temples

Parts of the Egyptian Temple

Part three: Moses’ Monotheistic revolution

Mount Sinai revelation

Secrets on the Mountain (Kabbalah)

Genesis story

Why build a Tabernacle (Temple)?

Part Four: The Tabernacle

The structure of the Tabernacle

Magical aspects in the structure of the Tabernacle

The altar and Water Basin in the courtyard

The animal world in the Tabernacle and the sacrifices

The Menorah in the sanctuary

The showbread table

The Golden Altar of Incense

The world of plants in the Tabernacle

Ark of the Covenant

Octave change – from the law of duality to the oneness

Aaron’s staff

The pot of manna and jar of anointing oil

Stones in the Tabernacle

Metals in the Tabernacle

Art and craft

The covenant and the promise

Tabernacle travels

Part Five: The Temple in Jerusalem

The Sacred land of Jerusalem

A permanent home

Sacred geography and topography of Jerusalem

King David

The transfer of the Temple mission to Solomon

King Solomon

Solomon’s building projects in Jerusalem

Innovations in the construction of the Temple

Boaz and Yakin

Completion of the act of creation

The Temple and the Sefirot

Does God dwell in the house?

Part Six: Worship of the Temple

The cosmic drama of sunrise

The priests and Levites and the Sacred work

The additional duties of the priests

the holidays

Pilgrimage

The Temple becomes heavenly

The Freemasons and the Temple

Part Seven: Temple of the Second Temple

Greek Temples

Greek Temple structure

The Parthenon

Roman Temples

History of the Second Temple

Temple of Herod

big stones

Temple Mount Square

The old city as a Temple

Destruction of the Temple

Part Eight: The Third Temple

The Western Wall as a new type of Temple

A house of prayer for all nations

Summary

Bibliography