Sacred Sites
The Temple Mount
The Temple Mount, located in the centre of Jerusalem, is significant to the monotheistic religions of Judaism, Islam and Christianity. It is significant in Judaism for a number of reasons; firstly, it is the site of both Solomon's Temple (The First Temple) and the Second Temple built by Herod The Great, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 C.E. Ancient Jewish scholars believed that God rested within a chamber in the Temple. They also alleged that the Temple Mount was the point at which the universe expanded from, and was where God gather the dust to create Adam. It is also believed to be the place where Abraham bound and nearly sacrificed his son Isaac. Jews will not walk on the Temple Mount, because they believe some part of the Divine Presence still remains there. The Temple Mount is also said to be the resting place of the Holy of Holies and the Ark of the Covenant, which reportedly contains the stone tablets that the Ten Commandments are written on. For these reasons, the Temple Mount is considered to be the most sacred site in Judaism. Many Jews turn towards the Mount when they play.
However, the site is also very significant in both Islam and Christianity. This has led to a number of conflicts for control over Jerusalem throughout history, most notably the Crusades and the ongoing Arab Israel conflict. The significance of the site for these three religions has led to The Temple Mount being called the 'holiest site on earth.'
However, the site is also very significant in both Islam and Christianity. This has led to a number of conflicts for control over Jerusalem throughout history, most notably the Crusades and the ongoing Arab Israel conflict. The significance of the site for these three religions has led to The Temple Mount being called the 'holiest site on earth.'
THE WAILING/WESTERN WALL
The Wailing/Western Wall is located at the foot of the western side of Temple Mount. It is significant because it is the only remaining wall of The Second Temple, which was built on the site on Solomon's Temple. In ancient times, the Temple was the centre of Jewish life. It was built by Herod the Great, a Roman client king of Judea, in c. 19 BCE. The Romans destroyed the Temple and much of Jerusalem in 70 C.E, after Jewish rebels holed themselves up within Temple. The rebels were revolting against the Romans as part of the Jewish Wars, where the Jews fought for their independence from Rome. The Western Wall was the only wall of the Temple that remained intact. The Wall is still regarded as a holy site, with many Jews making a pilgrimage to the wall to pray. The video below shows a group of Jews praying at the wall.
MT. SINAI
Mt. Sinai
Mt Sinai is located on the Sinai Peninsula in central Egypt. It is a sacred site in Judaism, as it is traditionally said to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God during the Jews' Exodus from Egypt. Although it is not known for certain, the mountain pictured above is believed to be Mt. Sinai. Some modern scholars argue that the mountain is in fact in Saudi Arabia, however most biblical reject this view.
Synagogue
A Synagogue is a Jewish place of worship. Originally, Synagogues were places for teaching and community gathering. However, over time they turned into places for prayer and worship. This first occurred in the Exodus, where Moses and the other Jews needed a place to pray. The set up a portable Synagogue, which they would use to pray when necessary. However, when the Jews returned to Canaan, they began to use the Temple to pray. Until the destruction of the Temple by the Romans, Synagogues were rarely used. Over time, as more and more Jews become dispersed throughout the world, the number of Synagogues increase. Today, there are Synagogues all over the world. The central of the Australian Jewish community is at the Great Synagogue in Sydney (Exterior picture in gallery at the top of page). The picture directly above is the interior of the Great Synagogue in Budapest.
Sermons and prayers are generally led by Rabbi's in Synagogues. Women and men generally sit in separate areas, although some conservative and progressive Synagogues allow men and women to sit together. A typical service in the Synagogue involves reading three mandated prayers, as well as prayers chosen by the Rabbi and readings from the Torah. Synagogues today are now important areas for the Jewish community to gather and pray. The first video below is a collage of various Synagogues, and the second is shows a group of Jews praying at a Synagogue in Jerusalem.
Sermons and prayers are generally led by Rabbi's in Synagogues. Women and men generally sit in separate areas, although some conservative and progressive Synagogues allow men and women to sit together. A typical service in the Synagogue involves reading three mandated prayers, as well as prayers chosen by the Rabbi and readings from the Torah. Synagogues today are now important areas for the Jewish community to gather and pray. The first video below is a collage of various Synagogues, and the second is shows a group of Jews praying at a Synagogue in Jerusalem.