- Family and Society
- The Temple and Sacrifices
535
Question
Why doesn’t Israel sacrifice bulls, goats, lambs anymore like they did long ago?
Answer
Technically, the mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is “in the way”, but obviously it’s more complicated than that. Big changes, as well as all national and universal mitzvot like building the Third Temple, must be done slowly and surely, and with the initiative and support of the entire nation of Israel, and if possible, all of mankind, “for My House will be a House of prayer for all the Nations” (Isaiah 56, 7). We’re undoubtedly not there yet. Additionally, Rav A. I. Kook, the first Chief Rabbi of Israel, deals extensively with the possibility that there may not be animal sacrifices in the future Temple, maybe just vegetarian ones (“m’nachot” from oil, wheat, wine, spices, etc., Kvatzim miKtav Yad Kodsho II, pp. 15-17). In addition, the fact that the God who runs history has apparently decided that the time isn’t right yet, because we can just imagine what kind of international crisis with the Muslims would be caused by rebuilding the Temple (this is also an halachic factor). On the other hand, we must do whatever can be done, even if it’s theoretical at this stage, for example, studying the topic, preparing the necessary utensils and garments, and most importantly, educating towards a desire and strengthening the motivation to want to revive the sacrificial services, and all mitzvot which we aren’t presently observing.
With Love of Israel,
Rav Ari Shvat

Rebuilding of Solomons Temple
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 28 Tevet 5765

Resume of sacrifices
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 28 Tishrei 5766

Gentiles offering sacrifices today outside of Jerusalem
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tammuz 7, 5781

Sacrificing on Altars Without the House
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 21 Shevat 5765

The Theory of Jewish Inherent Superiority
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Adar I 25, 5771

Kashrut in Israel
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 3 Kislev 5765

Reciting a Bracha with Dirty Hands
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 1, 5771
