The Gateway to the Divine: Why Har HaMoriah Is Central to Jewish Worship
For millennia, Har HaMoriah has stood as the epicenter of Jewish longing, prayer, and national memory. This post explores why this mountain is not just a physical location but a spiritual focal point of Judaism. We delve into Torah sources, rabbinic teachings, and the mystical dimensions that identify this site as the holiest place in the world, where heaven and earth meet.
Introduction
Har HaMoriah - the Temple Mount - is not merely a place of historic interest or ancient ruins. It is the spot the Torah itself identifies as the location of the Akeidat Yitzchak (Binding of Isaac), the place where Yaakov envisioned a ladder stretching to Heaven, and the precise site upon which the Beit HaMikdash stood. It is, quite literally, the gateway to the Divine.
“זה שער השמים”
"This is the gate of Heaven" (Bereishit 28:17)
Biblical Foundations
The name “Har HaMoriah” first appears in the context of Avraham's test with Yitzchak (Bereishit 22). Chazal identify this very mountain as the future site of the Temple. This was not incidental - it was Divinely chosen:
“וַיֹּאמֶר לֶךְ-לְךָ... אֶל-אֶרֶץ הַמֹּרִיָּה”
"Go to the land of Moriah..." (Bereishit 22:2)
According to the Midrash, the term “Moriah” comes from the word mor (myrrh) or hora’ah (instruction), indicating this is where Divine service and Torah emanate.
Rabbinic and Mystical Teachings
The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:1) rules that the place of the altar is extremely precise - it is the place of the Akeidah, where Noach offered a sacrifice after the flood, and where Adam brought his offering. The holiness of Har HaMoriah is not dependent on the Temple structure; it remains eternal.
The Zohar describes it as the tzinor shel hashpa’ah - the spiritual channel through which Divine blessing enters the world. Prayers ascend here, and spiritual nourishment descends to all nations.
Halachic Implications
Because of its sanctity, one cannot enter certain areas without purification. However, areas permitted by Halacha may still be visited today with proper preparation, including immersion in a mikveh. The Mishnah Berurah and contemporary poskim affirm that such a visit, done according to halachah, is not only permitted but a mitzvah.
Why It Matters Today
In an age of exile and confusion, reconnecting with Har HaMoriah means returning to the root of Jewish identity and destiny. It reminds us who we are, what we yearn for, and where we’re going. The very act of turning our hearts - and feet - toward this holy site realigns our spiritual compass.
Conclusion
Har HaMoriah is not just a relic of our past; it is the axis of our future. By learning, teaching, and - when appropriate - ascending in sanctity, we reawaken the soul of the nation.
"כִּי מִצִּיּוֹן תֵּצֵא תּוֹרָה, וּדְבַר ה׳ מִירוּשָׁלַיִם"
“For from Zion shall go forth Torah, and the word of Hashem from Jerusalem” (Yeshayahu 2:3)