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Temple Mount- Uprooting arab trees
Question
Recently I read that the Palestinians in their bid for UN recognition are travelling the world, with a special chair which was made from wood from an olive tree grown near the El Aqsa Mosque. I remembered that it is written in the Torah in Devarim, that trees are forbidden to be grown in the area of the Temple. I also am aware that it is forbidden to uproot trees either, so therefore, when the Temple will be rebuilt, what will happen to these trees?
Answer
Shalom Meir,
The Rambam (hil. Bet HaBchira 7, 14) cites (from Baba Kamma 82b) that out of respect to the Temple one isn’t allowed to plant gardens, trees or any kind of seeds there. Even if someone else planted them on the Temple Mount they must be uprooted, except for the Vradim (Rose) garden, which was there from the time of the early prophets. Rashi explains it was kept there because it was used in making the ktoret (incense offering). Without a doubt, the Arabs who not only desecrate Har HaBayit through the trees they plant there, or the football/soccer which they play there (proving to all that they don't really respect the holiness there and just want political claim!), but through their impure presence there, will be held accountable for their disrespect by future self-respecting Jewish governments, and surely by G-d.
Looking forward to the day when we will observe these and all of the mitzvoth of the Bet Hamikdash,
Rabbi Ari Shvat

Popcorn at the cinema
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 8, 5773

Does God Have Feelings?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 24, 5783

What type of wigs are allowed for married women in halacha
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 1, 5783

Why do the havdala candles have two wicks?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 13, 5783

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Delaying aliya for career and studies
Adar II 25, 5771

Ayin hara and Rambam
Tevet 28, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit
Shevat 7, 5771

Investing in firm selling Chametz
Adar I 23, 5771

How long should a rabbi wait after his wife’s death?
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 2, 5774

Exercise on Shabbat
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 9 Nisan 5763

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Using Father's or Mother's Name in Judaism
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Shevat 4, 5783

How can someone change their community?
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 11, 5783
Apartment Eviction
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Shevat 9, 5783
