The Rest of the Temple Institute's Incredible Message Part 3

In the previous two posts I've shared parts of the Temple Institute's announcement of its plans to build the Third Temple in Jerusalem. (Tweet that!) 

Today I wanted to share the rest of the Temple Institute's newsletter message from the 9^th of Av / July 26, 2015. (I'm sharing their message because I can't locate it on their site. If I could, I'd simply link to it.):

Rabbi Chaim Richman, International Director of The Temple Institute notes: "One third of all Torah commandments pertain to the building of and service in the Holy Temple. Today, we not only mourn the destruction of the two Holy Temples, but also our inability to fulfill one third of the Torah. But the time has come to cease mourning and begin building in earnest. Over the last three decades, the Temple Institute has done everything in our power to research and prepare for the Third Temple. As world Jewry sits on the ground mourning the first two Temples, we have taken a huge leap towards the rebuilding. The architectural plans for the Temple and our current project to raise a perfect Red Heifer are two complimentary components essential to begin the immediate building of the Holy Temple."

The "Torah" mentioned here corresponds to the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), also known at the Pentateuch. (Penta means five, like the Pentagon having five sides.) This is also called, "The Law," as in when Jesus referred to "the Law and the Prophets," which is basically the whole of what we know as the Old Testament.

Many Christians don't understand why the Temple needs to be rebuilt. I've heard from many, many Christians who seem resistant – or are outwardly, even vehemently, resistant – to the rebuilding of the Temple. (Tweet that!) I can understand that as Christians, we know the Temple is no longer needed to atone for our sins since Jesus did that. (Tweet that!)

However, the Temple does need to be rebuilt to fulfill the Bible's End Times prophecies. (Tweet that!) 

If you did not know that, what I just said in that previous sentence, THIS is why it is so amazing to see The Temple Institute working towards, and announcing, the rebuilding of the Temple. We are seeing Bible prophecy being fulfilled in our lifetimes, right before our very eyes. (Tweet that!) If that doesn't amaze you, it should.

There is, of course, so much more to talk about regarding the Temple and how it portrays the work Jesus did while here on earth to open the way into God's presence for all who choose to believe in Him. But with the Shemitah 2015 on its way, we'd better save that discussion for a later time.

In the next post, we’ll resume our conversation and learning about the Shemitah coming on September 13, 2015. If you haven’t yet ordered your e-book, The Shemitah, you can pre-order it right now and get it as soon as it releases. This e-book collects everything on this blog up to this date in one place for your review, convenience, and to help you share with others. Learn more about The Shemitah e-book here. 

Related Articles:

• Saturday, April 11, 2015: Will the "Framework Agreement" with Iran be the False Peace Treaty in Bible Prophecy?
• Thursday, July 16, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 1
• Saturday, July 18, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 2
• Tuesday, July 21, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 3

Don't forget to order your copy of The Shemitah ebook now:

The Shemitah

What it is, When it is, and Why it's Important in Light of Bible Prophecy

More from the Temple Institute's Incredible Message - Part 2

Excavated stones from the Western Wall of the
Temple Mount (Jerusalem, Israel), knocked onto
the street below by Roman battering rams
in 70 CE - "Ninth Av Stones Western Wall"
by Wilson44691 - Own work
Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons 

 In the previous post last Thursday, I shared the first portion of the 9^th of Av announcement from The Temple Institute in Jerusalem, Israel. Because I cannot find this newsletter message shared on their site where I can send you to read the rest of it, I want to share it here.

The second part of their newsletter message follows. (Tweet that!) You can watch the video mentioned in my previous post:

The video comes one year after the Temple Institute appealed to our supporters to take part in an Indiegogo crowd funding campaign that raised over $100,000 for the architectural plans. This year, as you are aware, we have recently begun our equally important "Raise a Red Heifer in Israel" Indiegogo campaign. Over the past five years, the Temple Institute has unveiled our most ambitious campaigns and most poignant videos for the purpose of redefining the Tisha b'Av mourning period into one of active preparation for the Third Holy Temple.

I'm sure you noticed that Hebrew word: Tisha b'Av.  I had to look it up. You can see the word "Av" in it so since we've studied this here on the blog we can guess it has to do with the 9^th of Av…and it does! See how much we've learned? I thought Wikipedia's definition of this Hebrew word was helpful:

Tisha B'Av: (lit. "the ninth of Av") (Hebrew: תשעה באב‎ or ט׳ באב) is an annual fast day in Judaism which commemorates the anniversary of a number of disasters in Jewish history, primarily the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. 

Tisha B'Av is regarded as the saddest day in the Jewish calendar and a day which is destined for tragedy. Tisha B'Av falls in July or August in the Western calendar. 

The observance of the day includes five prohibitions, most notable of which is a 25-hour fast. The Book of Lamentations, which mourns the destruction of Jerusalem is read in the synagogue, followed by the recitation of kinnot, liturgical dirges that lament the loss of the Temple and Jerusalem. As the day has become associated with remembrance of other major calamities which have befallen the Jewish people, some kinnot also recall events such as the murder of the Ten Martyrs, massacres in numerous medieval Jewish communities during the Crusades and the Holocaust. 

Is it as amazing to you as it is to me that The Temple Institute has as its goal turning the mourning of the 9^th of Av into the incredible joy of rebuilding the Temple? (Tweet that!) 

Related Articles:

• Saturday, April 11, 2015: Will the "Framework Agreement" with Iran be the False Peace Treaty in Bible Prophecy?
• Thursday, July 16, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 1
• Saturday, July 18, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 2
• Tuesday, July 21, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 3

Don't forget to order your copy of The Shemitah ebook now:

The Shemitah

What it is, When it is, and Why it's Important in Light of Bible Prophecy

Follow-Up on the 9th of Av - Temple Institute's Incredible Message Part 1

I wanted to come back to the topic of the 9th of Av to make one correction and also give some new information:   (Tweet that!) 

NEW: Another exciting announcement from The Temple Institute.

First the correction: I posted previously that the 9^th of Av would correspond to the 25^th of July on our calendar. So I was surprised when I received a newsletter from The Temple Institute on Sunday, July 26^th, with the date at the top as the 9^th of Av. Here's how the date read:

Av 9, 5775/July 26, 2015

I'm not completely sure, but perhaps my mistake came in seeing the 9^th of Av on my Biblical calendar on July 25^th when the 9^th of Av really started at sundown on July 25^th. Does that make sense? Then the 9^th of Av would have run through sundown on July 26^th. That's my best guess at what happened at this point.

Secondly, that newsletter I received from The Temple Institute which came on Sunday held some amazing news. You can sign up for the Temple Institute's newsletter on their site, but for those who haven't seen it I'll pass on their incredible message.

The subject line read:

"The Third Holy Temple Plans have Begun"

(Tweet that!)

I've followed the work of The Temple Institute for many years. I've written about their work to prepare the various items, such as the Lampstand and the Table of Shewbread, needed for the Temple to function. I've watched from afar the preparation for the Temple to be rebuilt. I’ve also watched in amazement as it appears Bible prophecies to rebuild the Temple seem to be setting up to be fulfilled.

And yet…

…to see that announcement put in concrete terms in the subject line of a Jewish organization located in Jerusalem felt stunning.  (Tweet that!) 

The opening of their message contains familiar information if you've been reading my posts about the 9th of Av. See how much you've learned? (If you've missed those posts, see Related Articles below). Here's how the Temple Institute opened their announcement:   (Tweet that!) 

Today, the Ninth of Av, the solemn day of mourning which commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples, the Temple Institute has released a modern three-dimensional architectural rendition of the future Third Holy Temple utilizing the latest building material and techniques. The three-minute video walks viewers through the main sanctuary, showcasing decades of research and tens of innovative Halachic solutions to various perplexing issues that were resolved to create fully functional, ready-to-use plans. As the visual tour sweeps through the sanctuary, one can see the menorah, incense altar and showbread table, all of which have already been prepared by the Institute, among 70 other sacred vessels. 

I'm including the three-minute video the message references below. (Tweet that!) 

But first let me say that you should treasure this experience of being taken inside the Temple. If the Temple were standing in real life, neither you nor I would be allowed to take this tour. Many Christians may think of the Temple much like our churches, where we welcome visitors to come inside and worship. (Tweet that!) 

However the Temple in Jerusalem is different! No one is allowed inside except the Jewish priests sent in to tend to the Temple items inside. Furthermore, even they are not allowed in the back 1/3 of the Temple, which is the Holy of Holies. The only person allowed to enter there is the High Priest, and then he may only enter once per year on the Day of Atonement (an annual observance which is coming up this fall).

I want to watch this video over and over again! I want to pause it, study it. There's so much to learn here.

But I want to mention one thing: A couple of times you will see the big, reddish "wall" with the two golden winged beings facing each other. This the Curtain that separates the front 2/3s of the Temple, the Holy Place, from the back 1/3, the Most Holy Place of the Holy of Holies. In this video we stop at the Curtain and do not enter the Holy of Holies. This video is called "Stage One: The Sanctuary" which refers to the front 2/3s of the Temple.

The inside of the Temple represents that holy place where the Living God resides. What I mean by that is, like the Temple, no one may enter His presence except by the blood of the Lamb, the Sacrifice. (Tweet that!)

Anyone who enters in any other way is to receive the death penalty.

Ponder that as you enter the Sanctuary via watching this video…

"The Third Holy Temple Plans have Begun"

"Stage One: The Sanctuary"

The Temple Institute

The LORD Jesus Christ actually personifies the Holy Temple in the Bible which is to stand in Jerusalem. Another way to say that is the Temple pictures the ministry of the LORD Jesus. We'll have to discuss that another time soon.

Related Articles:

• Saturday, April 11, 2015: Will the "Framework Agreement" with Iran be the False Peace Treaty in Bible Prophecy?
• Thursday, July 16, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 1
• Saturday, July 18, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 2
• Tuesday, July 21, 2015: What might happen on the "9th of Av" = July 25, 2015 - Part 3

Don't forget to order your copy of The Shemitah ebook now:

The Shemitah

What it is, When it is, and Why it's Important in Light of Bible Prophecy

The Best of the Bible Prophecies Fulfilled Blog Series

Breaking News: Temple Institute Announces Efforts to Raise a Pure Red Heifer in Israel

The Temple Institute announces plans to raise
a pure red heifer in Israel.
(Image source: The Temple Institute newsletter.)

Last week a friend shared with me a notice that The Temple Institute in Jerusalem was planning a major announcement on July 12th.

Here, in part, is the announcement that came via email:

Tammuz 25, 5775/July 12, 2015

After 2,000 years, with great thanks to the Almighty, we are pleased to announce: 

The Temple Institute is raising red heifers in Israel. For the first time in 2000 years, the restoration of Biblical purity is within reach... the prerequisite for building the Holy Temple. Click HERE to watch this video and learn how to participate in this historic project.  

The future is in our hands!

 Blessings from the holy city of Jerusalem,
 Rabbi Chaim Richman
The Temple Institute

The announcement included a fundraising link to raise the funds needed to accomplish this goal. More information is given on the fundraiser page. Here are a few pieces of information I found interesting:

What is a Red Heifer? 

The Red Heifer is a female cow, three years of age, with perfect consistency of a particular reddish hue, having not even two hairs of any other color. The heifer also may never be used for any type of labor, and must be totally blemish-free.  The ordinance of the para aduma, the Red Heifer, is found in the Torah, in the book of Numbers Chapter 19, and elucidated in the teachings of the Sages of Israel... 

Here's a bit more info:

What's the Difference Between an Ordinary Red Cow, and a Proper Red Heifer? 

Red cattle can be found throughout the world, and are not uncommon. However, raising a perfect red heifer in accordance with Biblical requirements for the fulfillment of the Numbers Ch. 19 commandment is a daunting task requiring advance planning, exacting preparation and constant supervision. In order for a heifer to be considered kosher for the Biblical use, it must literally be raised from birth under specific circumstances and in a controlled environment.  

The Project Has Begun: A Change in Conception 

In the past the people of Israel waited for the birth of a potential Red Heifer. But with Torah knowledge and advanced science, the Temple Institute has now begun to actively pursue this commandment.  For this unprecedented project, the Temple Institute has joined forces with an experienced cattle rancher here in Israel. This expert in the science of animal husbandry, under the halachic supervision and guidance of the rabbis of the Temple Institute, is utilizing the technique of implanting the frozen embryos of Red Angus cattle in Israeli domestic cattle.  The end result of this program will be the introduction of the Red Angus breed into Israel. This method, authorized and approved by Israel's Ministry of Agriculture, has already proven successful with the birth of a number of male Red Angus. The location and other details of the cattle ranch will remain undisclosed to the general public during the initial stages of the project. The Temple Institute will release periodic progress updates. 

And finally this is interesting because it differs from what I've always heard:

Myths:

• The appearance of a Red Heifer is miraculous...
• A Red Heifer cannot be prepared without first obtaining the ashes of the original Red Heifer 

Facts: 

• There is nothing miraculous about the birth of a red cow; they exist in plenty. But raising and preparing a heifer to be a potential candidate for fulfilling the Biblical commandment requires know-how:  halachic, scientific and animal husbandry expertise,  The Temple Institute's partnership with an expert Israeli cattleman represents the perfect synthesis of Torah knowledge and scientific expertise... and faith. A true religious-Zionist enterprise! ...
• There is no halachic prerequisite that requires the original ashes

Finally, here is the short video included with the announcement:

I've written on this blog my understanding from what I've been taught about the red heifer in these Related Posts: 

• February 12, 2015: Check out this Red Heifer born in Texas. Is it connected to Bible Prophecy? – Video Post

• April 18, 2015: Did the "Dig" TV Show Get it Right? - The Bible Prophecy of the Red Heifer

Tweetables:

Temple Institute announces plans to raise a #RedHeifer in #Israel. #Prophecy (Tweet that!)

Experts say ashes of original #RedHeifer are not required to purify the #Temple in Jerusalem! #EndTimes (Tweet that!)