RABBI SHALOM ROSNER
Rav Kehilla, Nofei HaShemesh Maggid Shiur, Daf Yomi, OU.org Senior Ra"M, Kerem B'Yavneh
Rebuilding the Beis HaMikdash Each and Every Day
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hazal tell us that there is a celestial Beis HaMikdash in Heaven directly above the physical structure of the Beis HaMikdash on earth (Rashi Shemos 15:17, citing Mechilta). When the physical structure on earth was destroyed the carbon copy in Heaven was destroyed as well. Over the course of generations, the Beis HaMikdash in Heaven is being rebuilt slowly, brick by brick, by the Torah and mitzvos being performed by Bnei Yisrael. How is the Beis HaMikdash in Heaven being reconstructed? How can we take part in this vital endeavor to hasten its construction? Rav Asher Weiss suggests that each vessel in the Beis HaMikdash corresponds to a certain task in the
Condolences to Dr. Simcha Heller and family on the passing of his
MOTHER ע“ה
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service of Hashem. Although the physical structure has been destroyed, the spiritual task that each vessel represented can still be achieved. The three most crucial vessels in the Mikdash were the Menorah, Mizbei’ach and the Shulchan. Each one represented a different aspect of our avodas Hashem. The Menorah represents Torah. The Netziv (Tetzave) states that the task of the Menorah was to spread the spiritual light of the Torah just as it shed physical light in the Mikdash. The gemara in Shabbos (23b) indicates that the reward for diligently lighting the menorah is to be blessed with sons that are Talmidei Chachamim. The Mizbei’ach represents prayer. The gemara in Berachos (26b)suggests – תפילות כנגד קרבנות תקנוםour prayers are in place of sacrifices as is stated in Hoshea 14:3 - נשלמה פרים שפתינו. Prayer is also considered the avodah of the heart (Taanis 2a). The Shulchan represents Chesed (acts of kindness). The lechem hapanim was placed on the Shulchan. This is symbolic of the food served in our homes to our guests, and in a broader sense to all acts of chesed. In Pirke Avos (1:2) we are taught that the world stands on three pillars: Torah, Avoda and G’milut Chasadim. These three pillars
