Temple Institute (Jerusalem, Israel)
City:
Jerusalem
State, Province, Region, or District:
Jerusalem District
Country:
Israel
Overview
The Temple Institute is a Jerusalem-based organization founded in 1987 by Rabbi Yisrael Ariel. Its stated mission is to educate about the Jewish Holy Temple and to prepare for the rebuilding of the Third Temple on the Temple Mount, in accordance with traditional Jewish sources. The Institute combines religious study, historical research, and the actual recreation of Temple vessels and priestly garments for future use. The Institute features dozens of sacred vessels that have been recreated according to biblical and rabbinic specifications, all made from the original source materials, such as gold, copper, silver and wood. These are authentic, accurate vessels, not merely replicas or models. All of these items are fit and ready for use in the service of the Holy Temple.
Among the many items featured in the exhibition are musical instruments played by the Levitical choir, the golden crown of the High Priest, and gold and silver vessels used in the incense and sacrificial services. After many years of effort and toil, the Institute has completed the three most important and central vessels of the Divine service: the seven-branched candelabra, or Menorah, made of pure gold; the golden Incense Altar, and the golden Table of the Showbread. Other completed projects include the sacred uniform of the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest. This project was the culmination of years of study and research. The High Priest's Choshen (Breastplate), Ephod and the tzitz have also been completed.
The Temple Institute's Holy Temple Museum features:
The vessels and instruments that have thus far been constructed for use in the rebuilt Holy Temple.
Scale models of the Second Temple, the outer altar and the Ark of the Covenant.
Original oil paintings portraying daily life in the Holy Temple.
Museum Gift Shop, specializing in publications, films, and educational materials about the Holy Temple.
Alternate Names
The Temple Institute is officially known as the Holy Temple Visitors Center (Hebrew: Machon HaMikdash).
Geography & Location
The Temple Institute is located in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City Jewish Quarter at 40 Misgav Ladach Street. It is directly above the Yehudah HaLevi stairs which lead from the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall Plaza.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
The Temple Institute was founded and is headed by Rabbi Israel Ariel. Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, founder and head of the Temple Institute, served in the paratrooper brigade which liberated the Temple Mount in the Six Day War of 1967, and was one of the first soldiers to reach the Mount. Rabbi Ariel was the Rosh Yeshiva and spiritual leader of the city of Yamit in the Sinai, which was dismantled as part of the peace accords with Egypt. Rabbi Ariel is a scholar of great renown, and is also the author of many Hebrew works, including the highly acclaimed "Atlas of the Biblical Boundaries of the Land of Israel."
Architecture
Exterior
Biblical & Historical References
The Temple theme evolves from a portable Tabernacle to physical building symbolizing God's presence among Israel to its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His people.
Spiritual Lessons and Application
The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, through its meticulous recreation of sacred vessels, priestly garments, and educational exhibits, embodies profound spiritual lessons rooted in Jewish tradition and biblical teachings. Its work reflects a deep yearning for divine presence and renewal.
Etymology
Machon HaMikdash literally means "The Institute of the Holy Temple" or "The Temple Research Institute." The name reflects the organization's core mission: a dedicated center for researching, educating about, and preparing for the rebuilding of the Holy Temple.
Site Visit
The Temple Institute features over 70 meticulously recreated sacred vessels and artifacts from the First and Second Temples, all crafted according to biblical specifications and rabbinical interpretations. These replicas are made using authentic materials like gold, silver, copper, and fine linen, showcasing the Institute's commitment to accuracy. Right away, you'll notice displays of the priestly garments (bigdei kehuna), including the elaborate eight-piece uniform of the High Priest (Kohen Gadol)—complete with the breastplate (choshen) embedded with 12 precious stones representing the tribes of Israel, the ephod robe, and the tzitz golden headplate inscribed with "Holy to the Lord." These garments aren't just static; they're designed for actual use in a future Temple, and the Institute even trains kohanim (priests) in their proper rituals.
Places of Interest
The Golden Menorah (Outside the Temple Institute): This menorah is typically not in the Temple Institute Museum, but stands in the Jewish Quarter's central plaza about a block away securely behind thick bulletproof glass, safeguarding it from vandalism and theft. This menorah is a full-scale replica of the original golden seven-branched menorah that stood in the First and Second Temples of ancient Jerusalem, as described in Exodus 25:31–40. The replica was carefully designed to match the original in both form and material. Composed of approximately 95 pounds of 24-karat pure gold, the menorah is valued at several million dollars. Its base is constructed from marble and bronze, and the entire piece stands about 6.5 feet tall, making it one of the largest gold menorahs in existence. Every detail of the menorah follows biblical descriptions and traditional Jewish sources. It features seven branches, cups shaped like almond blossoms, buds, and flowers, as well as a central shaft adorned with knobs and flowers. Like the original, it was hammered from a single piece of gold.