Responding to the Opposition: A Respectful Halachic Clarification
Many sincere and G-d-fearing Jews are hesitant—or even opposed—to ascending Har HaBayit today, citing halachic or ideological concerns. In this post, we respond with respectful clarity, not confrontation. We explore the primary objections, from concerns about tumat hamet and identifying exact locations, to fears of provoking others or disturbing the status quo. Using clear sources from Rishonim, Acharonim, and prominent modern-day poskim who support halachically permitted ascension, we offer thoughtful responses rooted in love for Torah and unity among Am Yisrael. This post seeks to clarify—not to criticize—and invites open, respectful dialogue in pursuit of truth and holiness.
“Out of love and reverence, not division.”
The topic of ascending Har HaBayit (the Temple Mount) has stirred passionate debate within the Jewish world. Some rabbinic leaders strongly oppose it, while others, equally learned and devout, advocate for it under strict halachic guidelines.
This post is not about attacking those who forbid the practice. We honor their motivations, which stem from yirat shamayim—fear of Heaven—and a desire to avoid violating the sanctity of the holiest place on earth.
But it is crucial to clarify: halachic permission to ascend the Temple Mount exists, has solid sources, and is practiced today by Torah-observant Jews who prepare properly and act with utmost reverence.
🔍 Why Do Some Rabbanim Forbid It?
The opposition is based on concerns including:
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Uncertainty of the exact location of the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies), which is forbidden to all and carries the gravest penalties if entered.
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Widespread public ignorance about where Jews may and may not walk.
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Fear of spiritual laxity or disrespect on the mountain, potentially desecrating its sanctity.
These are weighty and sincere concerns. But halachic caution does not equal absolute prohibition, and such fears must be balanced with our responsibilities toward the Makom HaMikdash.
📖 The Halachic Response
Many leading poskim have written extensively supporting permitted and holy access to specific areas of Har HaBayit:
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Rav Shlomo Goren zt”l, former Chief Rabbi and IDF Chief Rabbi, mapped the exact topography of the Temple Mount using ancient sources, Mishnaic geography, and archaeological data. He permitted ascension in designated areas.
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Rav Dov Lior, Rav Eliezer Melamed, Rav Israel Ariel, and many others have endorsed halachically careful visits, involving:
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Immersion in a mikveh.
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Avoidance of prohibited zones (mainly the inner sanctum).
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Walking only in areas where entry is permitted even to non-priests (Zarim) in a state of purity.
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Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 6:14:
“Even though the Temple is destroyed, we are obligated to revere it as when it stood.”
(אף על פי שהמקדש חרב, חייבים ביראתו כמו כשהיה בנוי.)
Reverence includes not only fear of entry, but fear of abandonment.
🕍 The Cost of Silence
For decades, many religious Jews avoided the Mount entirely, hoping this showed humility. But in the eyes of the world, it became abandonment. The Muslim Waqf took de facto control. Jews were denied entry, speech, prayer, and dignity on the very mountain that belongs to Am Yisrael.
Avoidance has spiritual and political consequences.
If Jews do not show reverence for their holiest site, why should the nations?
🪧 Our Approach: Humble Return, Not Confrontation
We do not come with arrogance. We come barefoot in soul, cleansed in water, mouths closed in reverence. We walk only where permitted. We do not run. We do not shout.
We ascend not as protesters, but as petitioners:
“Hashiveinu Hashem eilecha v’nashuva.”
“Bring us back, Hashem, and we shall return.” (Eicha 5:21)
✡️ Conclusion: A Call for Respectful Halachic Dialogue
We call for achdut (unity), not uniformity. Let differing halachic opinions be aired with dignity and learning. Let the holy discussion itself be a merit for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash.
As Rav Goren wrote:
“He who remains silent about the Temple Mount surrenders our claim to it.”
Let us not surrender. Let us ascend—in humility, with purity, and with love.