Respecting the Temple

"And revere My sanctuary"—Leviticus 19:30.

We are commanded to greatly revere the Temple. It is not the physical structure that we revere, but the One who commanded us to build [and who dwells in] it.

Included in this mitzvah are the following laws:

  • It is forbidden to enter the Temple Mount while wearing shoes, or clad in an undershirt.
  • It is forbidden to enter the Temple Mount with one's walking stick or with dusty feet.
  • It is forbidden to spit on the Temple Mount.
  • It is forbidden to use the Temple Mount as a shortcut.
  • Only monarchs of the Davidic Dynasty are permitted to sit in the Temple Courtyard.

This mitzvah applies at all times, even today when – due to our many sins – the Temple has been destroyed. [We still must respect and revere the Temple Mount.]