Interactive presentation will explore Jewish history

A three week interactive course, focusing on the history and spiritual significance of the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, will start on Wednesday, July 18.

The course classes will run from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. and will take place at the Chabad Educational Center located at 65 Pawnee Avenue in Rockaway Township. PowerPoint presentations, Biblical and Talmudic documentation plus archaeological findings will allow class participants to closely relate to the function, splendor and significance of the Beit Hamikdash. Specially prepared textbooks will further enhance the hands-on experience.

“Two thousand years after the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, Jews still converge upon the Western Wall, the surviving remnant of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Many people wonder why the Western Wall is so important to the Jewish people, why it is so close to our hearts. Many have explored the politics and geography of Israel and the Temple Mount, but few have explored the spiritual significance of the structures that stood on that mount for a millennium. This summer, with the aid of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, we are proud to unveil ‘Heaven on Earth’, a truly intriguing excursion into the soul of Jewish history and its people. Course participants will have the opportunity to look back in time and see the magnificent structure that once was and come away with a newfound appreciation for its historical and contemporary significance. ‘Heaven on Earth’ provides students with an explanation for the central role the Holy Temple plays in the Jews’ mission throughout history. To aid students in conceptualizing the ancient Temple, ‘Heaven on Earth’ employs an interactive and innovative virtual tour that will allow students, for the very first time, to ‘walk through’ the Temple’s ancient corridors, throng with the crowds through Jerusalem’s gates, and discover the marvels of architecture and design that were integral to this sacred site”, explained Rabbi Asher Herson, Chabad’s Regional Director who will instruct the course.

The course will take place during a special period on the Jewish calendar known as The Three Weeks. It was during these three weeks, some two thousand years ago, that Jerusalem and the Beit Hamikdash were destroyed by the Romans. Ever since, Jews throughout the world have marked this period annually. 

The primary focus of The Three Weeks is on fortifying one’s spiritual infrastructure, intensifying acts of loving kindness and on ushering in the era of Moshiach, which is described elaborately in the Bible. The Bible describes this era as one in which all mankind will dwell together, in an atmosphere of harmony, love and great spiritual consciousness. This era also includes the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash.

For registration and further information, call 973-625-1525 x227, e mail [email protected] or visit OneTorahWay.org.

Suggested donation for the course is $18 per person and $25 per couple. Textbooks, class materials and refreshments are included. The course is open to the greater community. All are welcome.