What Happens to Us When We Enter Jerusalem, the Holy City?

As is known, when the world reaches its ideal state, the Temple will be rebuilt, "the dwelling of Hashem". This topic requires deep thought, as seemingly Hashem does not need a place of residence.

Let's first consider the significance of the city where the Temple will be built: Jerusalem is the capital of the world. Each country has its own political and administrative capital, but the world's capital, governed by Hashem, is Jerusalem. Because of this, humanity has always been interested in it, without fully understanding why, and the disputes over sovereignty in the area continue to this day.

However, it is important to know that it does not belong to any particular nation nor is it the capital of any specific country. On the contrary! It is the capital of the world! Nevertheless, we know that Hashem chose the right people — the Jewish people — to take on the spiritual management of the city and the revelation of truth to the world. If the people behaved in accordance with their role, they would have remained in Jerusalem, without suffering repeated expulsions by nations that invaded there.

Jerusalem, beyond being the city of the Temple, historically was a city with strong spiritual influence, and even today it inspires people to search for wisdom and truth. There is an atmosphere that suits this, felt even in the heart of someone not connected to the Torah.

Many are still not mentally prepared to consciously accept its positive influence, yet they are affected by its unique atmosphere. There are also people who experience mental disturbances under the influence of Jerusalem's atmosphere; this is the phenomenon psychologists refer to as "Jerusalem syndrome."

The Temple is the structure from which the world will be spiritually governed by Hashem. Just as the White House is the center of political decisions in the United States, so the Temple will be the place from which the world will receive divine abundance and material blessing.

On a deeper level, the Temple was and will continue to be an extension of the divine revelation at Mount Sinai. Since people cannot feel the presence of Hashem in its full intensity, this place was created to preserve that feeling. The Temple was located in the center of Jerusalem, where one could achieve the full intensity of the truth of the world and life. Those who came there were safeguarded from obstacles on the path to truth.

In fact, those same forces that prevent us from reaching the truth can lead us to it if used correctly. This is also true for society; society might deter us from the right path, and in the same measure, it might help bring us closer to it. The same applies to our senses and emotions.

Incidentally, there is no greater elevation than one that involves emotions and senses. Rabbi Judah Halevi explains in the Book of Kuzari that the purpose of man and his connection with spirituality lies in the heart. Therefore, emotions, when used properly, reach levels that the intellect will never attain. It is apparent that every task in the Temple involved stimulating one of the five senses, elevating the spirits of those present.

You likely have experienced how a certain scent can lead you to an elevated feeling and nostalgia that changes your emotional state. The same happens when you listen to a beautiful song, a melody that can calm, cheer you, or even make you cry.

The work in the Temple included perfect acts, penetrating the senses of those present and leading them to a spiritual uplift. The Levites were in charge of singing and playing instruments. Anyone who listened to them felt their mood rapidly change, which was a spiritual goal in itself.

The incense was composed of special materials that spread a strong scent, aiming to bring a person to spiritual elevation.

In the sacrificial service — the offering of animals on the altar, the observers watched the transition of life from this world to the spiritual world. Watching an animal being slaughtered at Hashem's command is jarring and prompts reflection on life and its fragility, leading to spiritual elevation.

I must note that offerings to Hashem were brought only in the Temple, and the priests would eat part of them, but today it is forbidden to take the life of an animal for such a purpose.

The sensory stimuli mentioned are positive stimuli only when used correctly. Incorrect use can become a barrier on the path to truth. Therefore, about a fifth of the Written Torah is devoted to describing the details of the work done in the Temple.

In light of all this, entering the place of the Divine Presence is a powerful action that could endanger someone unprepared for it, which is why not everyone was permitted to enter the Temple; thorough preparation was required to perform Temple work, and only the high priest entered the Holy of Holies, once a year. Anyone entering against the instructions given by Hashem would immediately pay with their life.

From the book "Dan's Journey for the Meaning of Life," by Rony Dayan. To purchase the book at Hidabroot Shops, click here.