Dwelling
in Jerusalem
Q:
Why did you establish a Yeshiva in the so-called Muslim Quarter?
A:
It is a Mitzvah to dwell in the entire breadth of our Land, and all the more so
in Jerusalem, and all the more so in the heart of Jerusalem.
"Nachem"
Q:
Hasn't the time come to change the wording of "Nachem" (which we
recite on Tisha Be-Av) which describes Jerusalem as the destroyed, shamed and
desolate city?
A:
Please come and visit our yeshiva "Ateret Yerushalayim" which is
located in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, in the so-called
"Muslim Quarter," and you will be convinced on the spot to leave it
as is (since on the way you can see that much of the Old City is still in a
state of destruction and shame, and is desolate of Jews. Immediately after the Six-Day War, Rabbenu
Ha-Tzvi Yehudah Ha-Cohain Kook was asked whether "Nachem" should be
changed. He answered: "Jerusalem is still scorned and desolate, since the
essence of Jerusalem is the Beit Ha-Mikdash." Le-Mikdasheikh Tuv, p. 11
#1).
Temple Mount
Q: Is it permissible today to visit the Temple Mount?
A: Since the Chief Rabbinate of Israel posted signs there saying
that it is forbidden, there is not even a question. There is
therefore no need for an answer.
Ascending to the Temple Mount
Q: Why don't we ascend to the Temple Mount? There are great Rabbis who permit it and
other great Rabbis who prohibit it, and these and those are the words of the
Living G-d.
A: 1. There are different levels among Torah scholars. Those who
forbid it are the greatest Rabbis of our generation 2. The Chief Rabbinate of
Israel, which is the deciding body in national issues, prohibits it. 3. Our Rabbis, Maran Ha-Rav Kook and Rabbenu
Ha-Rav Tzvi Yehudah, forbid it.
Story
of the Two Brothers
Q:
What is the source of the story of the two brothers, one married and one
single, who brought wheat back and forth for each other on the spot that became
the Temple Mount?
A:
It is of non-Jewish origin. See The
Legends of the Jews by Louis Ginzberg.
How the Beit Ha-Mikdash will
Appear
Q:
Is there a Mitzvah nowadays to build the Temple or will it descend from the
Heavens?
A:
It is a Mitzvah to build it after appointing a King and eradicating Amalek
(Rambam, Hilchot Melachim 1:1-2).
Direction
of Davening
Q:
If a Shul is not facing Jerusalem, in which direction should we daven?
A:
Towards the Torah ark. But obviously the
Rabbi who is there should decide (Be'er Heitev 94:3. Shut Meishiv Dvar 1:10. Shut Teshuvot Ve-Hanhagot 1:79. And not like the Magen Avraham ibid. #3 and
Yad Eliyahu brought in the Be'er Heitiv ibid).
Davening
in the Wrong Direction
Q:
After I finished davening Shemoneh Esrei, I realized that I did not daven
towards Jerusalem?
