The Haftarah for parshat Tetzaveh is from the Book of Ezekiel. In it, G‑d tells Ezekiel to tell the Jewish people the measurements and details of the Third Temple. This is followed by the measurements of the altar and the details of the future inauguration of the altar.1

The connection to the parshah is that the parshah tells of the final details of the Mishkan's needs, including the incense altar. It also tells of the installation rites of the Kohanim, which included the inauguration of the altar.

The Haftarah begins with a command from G‑d to Ezekiel, "You, son of man, describe the House [of G‑d] to the House of Israel ... and let them measure its design ... Write it before their eyes, so that they may preserve all its form and all its rules, and they will do them."2

This prophecy was said to Ezekiel at the beginning of the Babylonian exile, which was a long time before the Jewish people returned to Israel and built the Second Temple. G‑d told him, "let them measure its design," which means that they should actively delve into the study of the measurements and dimensions of the Temple. The Midrash tells us that Ezekiel said to G‑d: "We are now in exile, let us first go out of exile and then we will learn the laws of the Temple."

G‑d responded: "Just because My children are in exile, does that mean that the building of My House should cease?” That can't be! Let them learn the laws of the House and in this way, "they will do them." The Midrash explains this as, "I will consider it as if they were dealing with the construction of the House."3 From here it is understood that, though the Third Temple will be built by G‑d, still it is also through our efforts. Through learning about the Third Temple, we help build it.4

This is why we have the custom to learn the laws of the Temple during the Three Weeks, the time we mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

The Haftarah continues: "This is the law of the House, on the head of the mountain, its entire border around it shall be Holy of Holies, behold, this is the law of the House."5

What is the meaning of this verse? With the words "This is the law of the House," it seems to be introducing a central idea of the Temple. But then it tells you that is has to be "on the head of the mountain," and "its entire border around it shall be Holy of Holies." Then in concludes, "this is the law of the House." What is this central idea?

The idea of a mountain is connected to our patriarch Abraham,6 who was called, "Abraham, who loved Me."7 The first two Temples were built in Jerusalem, on the mountain, and its central idea was the Jewish People's love to G‑d. And this is also true about our personal, inner Temple. G‑d wants to dwell in each and every one of us. This happens through our love of G‑d.

Regarding the Third Temple, the Haftarah says that it will be "on the head of the mountain." Just like the head is above the body and controls it, so is this is referring to a higher level of love, beyond the natural—a love called ahavah rabbah, “great love.”

"Its entire border around it shall be Holy of Holies." What surrounds the head? This is a love that is even greater than ahavah rabah. This love is called ahavah betanugim, “love in delights.”

Although it is beyond me to explain these great levels of love and connection, it is good to know of them. Because very soon, when Moshiach comes, we will experience these great expressions of love and connection with G‑d. You will know and understand.

All this will come with the third Temple, which G‑d is building in heaven. However, it only becomes the Third Temple when it is completed and descends with the coming of Moshiach. This, of course, is dependent on our performance of mitzvot and Torah study, especially the study of the measurements and details of the Third Temple during this exile. This is how we participate in its construction. Because of our participation, the third Temple will be called "our Temple," the one we helped build.8

It is all up to us. Through doing extra mitzvot, studying more Torah, and learning about the Third Temple, we will merit the coming of Moshiach and see the Third Temple that we helped build. May it happen soon.