Tisha B'Av reminds us that Jewish prayer belongs on the Temple Mount - opinion

On the eve of Tisha B'Av, David M. Weinberg ascended the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, experiencing a profound mix of emotions. He mourned Jewish history's misfortunes while also rejoicing in the ongoing return to the 'apex of God's presence in the Land of Israel.' Weinberg noted significant improvements in opportunities for Jewish and Israeli visitation compared to previous years, fostering a stronger sense of connection to the holy mount.

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It was an opportunity to pray at the most sacred site in the world for Jews, to mourn the many misfortunes of Jewish history, and to rejoice in the slow but inevitable Jewish return to makom haShechinah, the apex of God’s presence in the Land of Israel – a whirlwind mix of emotions.

Weinberg grappled with four key questions regarding the ascent: its permissibility under Jewish law (halacha), his personal worthiness, its necessity, and potential diplomatic provocations. He concluded affirmatively: it is permissible, perhaps, definitely worthwhile, and defiantly not provocative.

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I discovered a massive improvement in opportunities for Jewish/Israeli visitation of the site as compared to my previous journeys in 2022 and opportunities for yet more Jewish/Israeli rootedness on the holy mount.

He is convinced that walking the Temple Mount's outskirts, after proper ritual preparation and under rabbinical guidance, is permissible without transgressing Torah law. He avoids the raised platform where the Dome of the Rock stands, as this area is believed to be the location of the Temples and their courtyards. Numerous prominent rabbis, including Avi Gisser and Ze'ev Weitman, permit and even mandate such visits.

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Permissible: After four years of study with scholars, I am convinced that it is possible today to walk around the outskirts of the expansive Temple Mount plaza without transgressing Torah law – after appropriate ritual and devotional preparation and under the strict guidance of Torah sages.

While less certain of his personal worthiness, Weinberg relies on the merits of his ancestors and the sacrifices of Israeli soldiers and scholars. He believes these virtues, coupled with a growing Jewish devotion to the Temple Mount, are viewed favorably by divine forces. He argues that properly conducted visits are not only worthwhile but necessary for demonstrating this renewed commitment.

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Leading figures that not only permit but mandate such visits include rabbis Avi Gisser, Dov Lior, Eliezer Melamed, Elyakim Levanon, Re’em Ha’Cohen, Shabtai Rappaport, Tamir Granot, Tzfania Drori, Yaakov Medan, Yehuda Shlush, Yitzhak Shilat, Yuval Cherlow, and Ze’ev Weitman.