1. The Power of Studying Beis Hamikdash
Continuing from yesterday’s discussion, the Rebbe teaches that studying about the Beis Hamikdash—the Holy Temple—is not merely a way to earn the reward for building it or to accomplish what the Beis Hamikdash would have achieved. Rather, the act of learning itself is considered as actually building the Beis Hamikdash. This is a transformative idea: our engagement in Torah study about the Temple is not just symbolic or preparatory, but constitutes real spiritual construction.
2. The Analogy from Korbanos: Study as Action
The Rebbe brings an example from our sages regarding korbanos—sacrifices. Chazal say that if one studies the laws of a chatus—a sin offering—it is as if he has brought that offering. Similarly, occupying oneself with the laws of an asham—a guilt offering—is regarded as actually bringing it. The Rebbe clarifies that this does not simply mean you receive the same reward or atonement as if you had physically brought a sacrifice. Rather, the act of study itself takes on the status and effect of bringing a korban. This is why certain halachos that apply to physical sacrifices also apply to their study.
3. Applying This Principle to Building the Temple
The same principle applies to building the Beis Hamikdash. When we learn about its structure, measurements, and laws, we are not just metaphorically participating in its construction or gaining spiritual merit. That very learning is considered actual building. The Rebbe emphasizes that this is not just a poetic idea but a real halachic reality: studying these topics is part and parcel of fulfilling the mitzvah to build the Beis Hamikdash.
4. The Dialogue between Yechezkel and Hashem
The Rebbe references a conversation in which the prophet Yechezkel asks Hashem why he should teach about building the Temple while Bnei Yisroel are in exile and unable to build it physically. Hashem responds: “Is it because my children are in exile that my house should remain desolate? They should not build it?” From here we see that when Jews study the laws of the Temple even in exile, it is not considered desolate—they are actively building it through their learning.
5. Fulfilling “Make Me a Sanctuary” through Study
The Torah commands, “You shall make a sanctuary for Me so I can dwell among you.” When we have an opportunity to physically build, we fulfill this mitzvah with action. But when physical construction isn’t possible, learning about every detail—the structure, dimensions, and service—becomes our fulfillment of this commandment. In times without a physical Temple, our study serves as its actual construction.
6. Rambam’s Source and Deeper Meaning
The Rebbe notes how Rambam introduces Hilchos Beis Habechirah with a verse: “Shaalu shlom Yerushalayim”—“Seek out (or ask after) the peace of Yerushalayim.” According to the Rebbe’s explanation, this means more than remembering Yerushalayim; it means actively engaging with its welfare by discussing and learning about it. This verse expresses an even deeper involvement than other sources cited by Chazal which focus on remembrance alone.
7. The Practical Importance Today
This teaching highlights how crucial it is for us today to study all aspects related to the Beis Hamikdash. Through our learning, we are literally fulfilling the mitzvah of building Hashem’s house even while in exile. Our Torah study becomes an act of construction, ensuring that spiritually, at least, Hashem’s dwelling place among us is never abandoned.