Our Piece of the Third Temple

Our Piece of the Third Temple

In the second paragraph of the Shema (Artscroll Siddur page 416), found in Parshat Ekev, we read (11:21):

“In order that your days may increase and the days of your children, on the land which the Lord swore to your forefathers to give them.”

Our Rabbis learn from here that living in Israel is a segulah for long life. The Talmud (Brachot 8a) records that the students of Rabbi Yochanan asked their teacher how there could be elderly people in the Diaspora- as long life is tied to the Land of Israel. Rabbi Yochanan was perplexed until his students told him that these elderly individuals regularly attended synagogue in the Diaspora, both morning and night (#MinyanCampaign #StrengthenOurCore).

The Maharsha (17^th century Polish Talmudist) asks: How does the student’s explanation answer the question? The verse still seems to make the blessing of longevity dependent on living in Israel! The Maharsha answers based on the Talmud in Megilah 29a:

“The synagogues and houses of learning in Babylon will in the time to come be planted in Eretz Israel.”

           

The Maharsha further explains that Diaspora synagogues will be incorporated not only into Jerusalem, but as part of the enlarged third Beit Hamikdash. It emerges that even today our shul has a taste, a spark, of the sanctity that will saturate the Third Temple; which we long for especially this time of year, between Tisha B’Av and Rosh Hashanah.

           

Modern science has confirmed what Rabbi Yochanan and his students understood two thousand years ago: Going to shul is good for your health. About a decade ago, a research team led by Eliezer Schnall, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor of psychology at Yeshiva College of Yeshiva University, analyzed the religious practices of 92,395 women aged 50 to79, participating in the Women’s Health Initiative. After examining the prospective association of religious affiliation, religious service attendance, and strength and comfort derived from religion with subsequent cardiovascular events and overall rates of mortality, the researchers found that those attending religious services showed a 20% decrease in death risk.

           

From the Talmud we see that our shul contains a spark of the sanctity of the Third Beit Hamikdash. The Temple was (and will be) a source of inspiration, knowledge, friendship and caring for all Jews who passed through its doors. Our shul aims to do the same. We understand the benefits that people experience when they connect with a shul. And so we provide many different ways that community members can participate, volunteer and donate. It’s good for your health- and good for your neshama.

           

The Beit Hamikdash was supported by the entire nation in two ways. First was the half shekel: a fixed amount that everyone donated annually. Everyone gave to this collection equally. Then there was a second collection in which each person was called upon to give to his/her ability. Some gave more, some gave less. But everyone gave based on an appreciation of the central role that the Beit Hamikdash played in Jewish life.

           

Our shul follows a similar funding model. Synagogue dues are set so that everyone contributes to the basic upkeep and maintenance of our shul. But like the half shekels, membership dues do not cover the full operating budget of our synagogue. This is because we offer much more than the bare necessities, and also because membership is never refused due to an individual’s inability to pay.

           

That is why we turn to you and ask that you contribute a voluntary donation, according to your ability and the financial blessings that Hashem has provided you. As we launch our Kol Nidrei Appeal, please take a moment to appreciate the role your shul plays, has played and will play in your life, and the life of our community. Make our shul a priority for your giving and contribute to the Kol Nidrei Appeal. (Please note that pledges can be satisfied through monthly installments over the course of the year).

A great way to find comfort after Tisha B’Av is by doing your part to ensure that our shul, our piece of the Third Beit Hamikdash, continues to thrive and grow.