A Preferred Home

During the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av, we mourn the loss of both Holy Temples in Jerusalem. The Torah tells us, however, that when we study the laws of the Temple’s construction, we are already rebuilding it.

G‑d commanded the Jewish people to build a Temple for Him when they entered Israel, at “the place that I shall choose.” If the Temple Mount was chosen by G‑d only later, then previously it was just an ordinary place, like any other. G‑d singled it out from all other places and chose to sanctify it and dwell in it.

When we choose to be involved in Torah and good deeds, and we choose our actions to be directed towards G‑d, He in turn chooses to dwell in us; G‑d chooses us to be a miniature “Holy Temple,” even while in exile.