Rabbis debate settling for prayer at Kotel vs Har Habayit

 

A profound religious controversy is dividing Israel's Orthodox establishment as Jerusalem Day approaches, with influential rabbis publicly questioning whether Jews should continue the traditional practice of praying at the Kotel or embrace the more contentious path of ascending the Har Habayit for worship.

Monday's Jerusalem Day observances, commemorating Jerusalem's liberation, traditionally draw religious Zionist groups to the capital in celebration of the city's reunification and restored access to Judaism's holiest sites. These annual pilgrimages culminate in emotional prayer services at the Western Wall, where thousands gather for thanksgiving ceremonies.

Yet a growing chorus of religious voices now advocates moving beyond the Kotel entirely, urging Jews to pray directly on the Har Habayit itself. This unprecedented shift has ignited fierce debate within Orthodox circles, pitting traditionalists against those seeking to reclaim Judaism's most sacred space.

The controversy stems from a historical ruling by Israel's Chief Rabbinate, supported by the vast majority of the country's rabbis, prohibiting Jewish ascent to the Har Habayit altogether. However, mounting challenges to this decision in recent years have prompted renewed theological examination of the issue. We consulted several prominent rabbis to understand their positions on this divisive matter.

Rabbi David Stav, who leads the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization and serves as rabbi of Shoham, articulated fierce opposition to Har Habayit ascent during our discussion. "We believe the Temple can be rebuilt only when the people of Israel achieve unity and moral purity of the highest order, alongside adherence to specific purity laws governing the Mount. Currently, these essential conditions remain unfulfilled.

"This spiritual preparation is necessary to make us worthy even of Jerusalem itself. The notion of ascending the Mount for prayer in our current spiritual state represents a fundamentally flawed approach. Temple Mount ascent will become possible only when the people of Israel reach their complete spiritual state."

"Each person should act according to his rabbi"

Rabbi Hagai Lundin, who heads the Holon Hesder Yeshiva and directs the study hall at Ono Academic College, acknowledged that while he personally refrains from Temple Mount ascent, "each person should act according to his rabbi."

He elaborated, "The question of whether to pray at the Kotel versus the Har Habayit has generated years of controversy. Most religious authorities currently rule against Har Habayit ascent. Yet today, certain voices argue that the security situation and national considerations have strengthened the case for Har Habayit access. I personally choose not to ascend and believe we can strengthen our sovereignty and connection to the Har Habayit through alternative means."

"Prayer at the Har Habayit is preferable."

Rabbi Yisrael Ariel, founder and director of the Temple Institute and head of the Temple Yeshiva in Jerusalem's Old City, advocates the opposite approach entirely. "While the Kotel functions like an enormous synagogue with special sanctity for prayer within the ancient walls, Har Habayit prayer remains superior. This principle applies throughout the year and holds particular significance on Jerusalem Day.

"Har Habyit prayer carries a different meaning and receives greater heavenly acceptance. This concept appears in King Solomon's dedication prayer for the Temple, where he invokes the word 'prayer' in various forms 24 times. This emphasis demonstrates the paramount importance of prayer on the Mount – the actual Temple site."

"Clean hands and pure heart"

Rabbi and author Chaim Navon presents a nuanced middle position, arguing that Har Habayit ascent demands exceptional spiritual elevation. "My revered teacher, Rabbi Aharon Lichtenstein of blessed memory, believed certain areas remained halachically permissible to enter. When I once asked why he personally avoided Har Habayit ascent despite this ruling, he referenced Psalms: 'Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord?' The answer provided is 'Clean hands and pure heart.' Only someone achieving complete heart purity and entirely clean hands can ascend the Temple Mount and stand before the Divine. He concluded, 'I have not yet reached this level.'"

Rabbi Navon continued, "While I question whether such an elevated standard is truly required, hearing this from my teacher has left me emotionally unable to summon the spiritual courage for Temple Mount ascent. Those who have achieved greater spiritual completeness may ascend in sanctity and purity, but they must never disparage those who find fulfillment in Kotel prayer. The Kotel possesses inherent holiness, sanctified further by centuries of worship from countless Jewish faithful."