According to church tradition, the nation of Israel having been (re)born in 1948, the next event to take place as proof that the Messiah would soon return to earth would be the (re)building of the Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Since, and even before, 1948 Jewish people from all over the world have made aliyah (journey to Jerusalem) in order to live in the Holy Land, the land of God’s promise to the Israelite people. As the previous posting noted, word coming out of the Holy Land reveals that the ancient ruling body known as the Sanhedrin has recently been reestablished in order to make the transition from democracy to theocracy a future reality. Also, in preparation for the actual building of the Temple and Tora-dictated services to be conducted,  the Temple Institute in Jerusalem has reconstructed the instruments of Temple worship. Jewish men determined to be biologically descended from Aaron, known as kohanim, are being trained in Temple service rituals in preparation for serving as Temple priests. This, combined with the establishment of an authoritative body to lead the nation in matters of the Jewish religion, establishes the scene for the beginning of the construction process.

According to sources within Israel, during a meeting in June 2005 the Sanhedrin issued a call for specific plans relative to the construction of the Temple. The group called on all involved in Temple Mount research to prepare detailed architectural plans for the rebuilding of the Jewish Holy Temple. In this way the new Sanhedrin is taking steps to prepare modern Israel for a new Temple and the coming of their Messiah Whom they and the Institutional Church believe will enter it upon His return. In line with this movement, the Sanhedrin plans to establish a forum of architects and engineers to begin making the final plans. Word has it that this may have already been done. They are also calling on world-wide Jewry to contribute financially for the purchase of materials needed for the project. With this money they plan to purchase and store prefabricated materials for rapid assembly. In preparation for the project, the Temple Institute of West Jerusalem, a group of Orthodox Jews, has reconstructed the implements that will be needed for the new Temple.

But trouble looms ahead. When asked how they would be able to build a Jewish Temple on the exact spot where the Dome of the Rock now stands, supporters claim not to have the answer. They only know that God will arrange the circumstances when the time arrives. Historical decisions have added to the problem. During the Six-Day War of 1967 Israel recaptured the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, then turned day-to-day control of the Temple Mount over to the Muslims. Until the Jews are willing to take back the mount and destroy the Dome of the Rock, there can be no restoration of the Jewish Temple, at least not on the designated spot. However, one group of archaeologists has determined that the Jewish Holy Temple was actually located some 100 yards from the Muslim holy place. Only time will tell if the Jews accept this information. One group of Jews isn’t waiting to find out where the Temple was located. To be continued. L.J.