Israel Forever

For the week ending 12 November 2011 / 14 Heshvan 5772

The Chosen Mountain

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

"And Avraham called the name of that site 'G-d Yireh' as it is said on this day, on the mountain G-d will be seen." (Bereishet 22:14)

"G-d Yireh", Targum Onkeles explains, means that this site, Mount Moriah, will be chosen by G-d as the place where His spirit will dwell and where sacrifices will be offered.

A bitter element of our people's exile is that not only do we lack the Beit Hamikdash which stood on this site but that it has become a house of worship for those who wish to destroy us.

Although the Halacha forbids us in our present ritually impure state to physically ascend the Temple Mount, every Jew, wherever he is, and wherever he prays to Heaven, directs his prayers to this "Gate to Heaven" and longs for the day when this site will be restored to its rightful owner. It is this emotional bond with this holy site which gives us the confidence that it will eventually belong only to Israel forever.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Israel Forever

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.