"I've Always Felt a Connection to the Temple"

 

From a young age, Asher Cohen (29, a resident of Ashdod, married with a son) always felt a strong connection to the Temple. It wasn't clear to him why. He grew up in a secular-traditional household, was educated in secular institutions, and longing for the Temple was something that wasn't part of the daily routine of those around him. "Deep inside, there was always a connection," he says. "There were inner feelings urging me to do something about it."

 

That something happened about six months ago, after Cohen got married, moved to Ashdod, and was looking for a job during that time. "I said, Hashem, You've placed in my heart the feelings that something needs to be done so that the Temple will be rebuilt in our days. I'm making such a move, please help me," he recalls. "Indeed, after six months, the website was already live. The Temple animations are my work, there are virtual drawings by someone I found abroad, and I've had interesting collaborations, including with a Japanese non-Jew. I've experienced clear miracles, Hashem opened a path for me to reach people who helped me enlighten the many."

 

Today, the Temple Mount website contains a variety of information on the topic - from animations and videos, fascinating articles, to virtual tours that illustrate to everyone the inner essence of the Temple, as far as can be learned through an internet site.

 

One of the factors that caused Cohen to connect with the Temple was a dream he had at the age of 23. "On my birthday, I said to Hashem, 'What do You want me to do in Your world? What's my purpose?' After that, I dreamed I was in an open space, and saw a large copper vessel with wheels, and a man in white and blue clothing showing me glowing coals inside. Two years ago, I went to the Temple Institute in Jerusalem and was amazed to see the same copper vessel with wheels from my dream, known as the Peschter. They transport coals from the altar on which incense is offered. I have no explanation for it." Today, I am fully observant of the Torah and mitzvot. I grew up in secular institutions, but when I met my wife two years ago, I decided to take action – I committed to wearing a kippah, tzitzit, and a religious lifestyle, and since then I am happy. Shabbat, tefillin, kashrut, prayers – everything that's needed."

 

"I see that it warms hearts. I receive many messages from people who see the virtual tours and are very moved. They say that finally, they understand what they are praying for every day. For me, the most important thing here is enlightening the many, and this gives me the strength to continue."