1. Introductions and the Spirit of the Gathering
The class began with participants introducing themselves, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The host, Sarah Volosov, expressed her happiness at making her home a place for learning Torah and inspiring each other in the ways of Torah and friendship. This set the tone for a warm, collaborative environment focused on growth and connection.2. The Nine Days: Customs and Chassidic Perspective
We are currently in a special period—the Nine Days—traditionally marked by mourning over the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash—Holy Temple. Halachically, many pleasurable activities are restricted during this time, such as swimming or taking enjoyable showers. However, the Rebbe teaches that rather than simply being sad or giving up hope, we should transform this period into something positive. Specifically, we are encouraged to study about the Beis Hamikdash, strengthening our trust in Hashem that it will be rebuilt soon. The act of learning about the Temple is itself considered a constructive step toward its rebuilding.3. Historical Overview: From Mishkan to Beis Hamikdash
The journey of sacred structures began with the Mishkan—Tabernacle—in the desert, a portable sanctuary used during forty years of wandering. The Torah portions of Terumah and Tetzaveh detail its vessels and structure. After entering Eretz Yisrael, a more permanent structure was built in Shiloh from stone (though its roof remained animal skins), known as Mishkan Shiloh. This stood for 369 years before further temporary stops at Nov and Givon. Only after more than 400 years did the Jewish people build the first permanent Beis Hamikdash in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, at which point all other altars (bamos) became prohibited.4. Timeline and Structure of the Temples
To contextualize: The Mishkan was built about 2,500 years after creation (specifically around year 2,449 from creation). About 500 years later—around year 3,000—the first Beis Hamikdash was constructed by King Solomon as a magnificent edifice employing thousands of workers and imported materials. This Temple stood for 410 years before being destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian forces following rebellion by Israel’s king. After seventy years of exile, Koresh (a descendant of Queen Esther) allowed Jews to return and build the second Beis Hamikdash, which stood for 420 years. In total, there were approximately 1,500 years during which some form of sanctuary or Temple stood; yet it has now been over 2,000 years since its destruction.5. The Significance of Place: Holiness of Mount Moriah
The location of the Beis Hamikdash is deeply significant—it is considered the foundation stone (Evan HaShessiah) from which creation began. Even when certain vessels like the Ark were missing in later periods, the site’s holiness remained intact; it is where Avraham bound Yitzchak and where Adam was created from earth taken from that very spot. The Mizbeach—altar—served as an atonement for people precisely because it stood at their point of origin.6. Why Do We Need the Beis Hamikdash?
A central question arises: Why is having a physical Beis Hamikdash so important? Jewish life continues—albeit with limitations—even without sacrifices or a central sanctuary; we have synagogues and study halls that serve as miniature sanctuaries (Mikdash Me’at). Yet our prayers constantly beseech Hashem to rebuild Zion and restore the Temple. Is it not enough to live good lives wherever we are? A humorous story illustrates how some might prefer comfort in exile over redemption—but this misses something essential.7. The Deeper Purpose: Manifesting Hashem’s Presence
The answer lies in Hashem’s command: “Va’asu li Mikdash v’shachanti b’socham—Make for Me a sanctuary so I may dwell among you.” The ultimate purpose is not material comfort but creating a space where Hashem’s presence can be manifest in this world—a physical dwelling for godliness amidst material reality. All mitzvos serve to draw down holiness into this world, but their effects are hidden due to spiritual obscurity in exile. When Mashiach comes and the third Beis Hamikdash is built, Hashem’s presence will be openly revealed—no more doubts or hiddenness; all questions about suffering or divine justice will be resolved as godliness becomes clear to all.8. Exile Mentality vs Redemption Mindset
Exile is not just about physical suffering but about pervasive ideas that center life around self rather than Hashem—what I call “ego” (exit God out). Society encourages self-centeredness: more money, more success—but true joy comes from meaning and connection to Hashem through Torah and mitzvos. The greatest happiness is not found in material success but in living a life filled with substance—a life connected to Hashem—which will be fully realized with the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash. That is why we pray for its restoration.9. Challenges During Temple Times and Free Will
A question arises: How could people sin so gravely even when godliness was openly revealed in both Temples? The first was destroyed due to certain sins; the second due to baseless hatred (Sinas Chinom). Despite heightened revelation then, free will remained intact—and their challenges were immense compared to ours today. Ultimately everything—including destruction—is part of Hashem’s plan beyond our understanding. Our task is simply to do our best according to His will until Mashiach comes.10. Conclusion: Yearning for Redemption
In summary: We want Mashiach now so that all questions will be answered—not just intellectually but experientially—with evil inclination removed and clarity restored through open revelation of Hashem in our world via the rebuilt Beis Hamikdash. Until then, we continue striving through Torah study, mitzvos, kindness—and hope for imminent redemption.Enjoy your day!