I plan to travel to Jerusalem from the USA. How can I, a Christian, visit the Temple Mount but not offend Hebrew beliefs? This is Jewish ground first. I do not want to offend my Jewish brothers & sisters.

Shalom, Thank you for your question. Before answering, let me tell you how good it is to get such questions. When people of other faiths start respecting each other, I am certain that the good L-rd is smiling! May you be blessed for your sensitivity and caring. As to your question – now that you have asked, I will tell you the truth. According to religious Jewish understanding, no-one today should be visiting the Temple Mount. (While there is a minority view that believes that with great care, and with many restrictions, Jewish men may visit certain outer parts of the Temple mount – even that view would not apply to any type of visit that a tourist visiting Israel would be part of). This applies to Jews and non Jews alike. But in relation to non Jews, the laws are even stricter, and across the board, Orthodox Judaism would forbid visiting the site. But don’t be too upset – because we are all praying for the full Redemption. At that time (may it be speedily) Judaism believes that the Temple will be rebuilt. There both Jews and Non Jews alike will be able to serve G-d - as the Prophet says (Yeshayahu 2:3) “And many peoples shall go and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Hashem, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths." Those “many peoples” are all the Nations of the world. So, when we pray for the rebuilding of the Temple, we have you in mind also, that we should all merit to one day connect to the service of G-d on His holy mount. (The fact that the State of Israel allows Muslem worship on the Temple mount is a political reality that is out of the hands of the religious establishment. In other words – according to Jewish law it is forbidden, but no one is asking us!). But, let me offer some advice. We’d love to see you visit the Kotel – the Western Wall. People of all faiths are welcome to come. (Wear a hat. And if it’s a Sabbath, don’t use electric appliances there). Come, say a prayer there – as I said, my guess is that it will make the L-rd very happy. You might also want to visit other holy sites. The Cave of the Machpelah (the burial cave the Abraham purchased for Sara, and the other forefathers and mothers) in Hebron is worth a visit – and again, a great place to pray at. The site of the grave of Rachel in Bethlehem is another very holy site. I assume as a Christian you will be visiting some sites connected with your religion. Make sure you get in a visit to some important Jewish sites also – Yad Vashem, the holocaust museum is a must. The Israel Museum with the Dead Sea scrolls. And many other sites. May your visit be filled with blessings.