Q. I don't understand what exactly we are missing by not having a Beit Mikdash. Throughout both the Written and Oral Torahs we see that the Temple is something tremendous and amazing – but in order for me to really mourn over its absence, can you help me understand what exactly it will give us?
Who is the "complete" person? He is one whose is alert, awake, and active with his entire totality of strengths and abilities. Similarly, the ideal reality is one in which all the strengths of life are present in our lives: intellect, emotions, imagination, soul experiences – both stormy and serene – as well as song, art, education, and so much more. When all of these are "on," this is a high-powered life.
Sometimes people mistakenly believe that if their intellect is on target, their lives are complete. Others would say that music is the most important, or creativity, or something else. But in fact, a person can be complete in his relation to himself and G-d only when his life is truly at its utmost.
However, when all the powers of life burst forth and are actively present in our lives, chances increase that their expression will miss the mark. We must ensure that they do not erupt past their correct boundaries – for these strengths have borders, and there must therefore be a peak mark that directs all the strengths towards their proper places.
Spiritually and psychologically speaking, the Beit HaMikdash is a turbulent place. It is a site in which the potent life forces are manifest very powerfully. The offering of sacrifices, the song and music of the Levites, the wine libations upon the altar, the gold and silver utensils, and many other aspects of the daily Temple activities are things that greatly excite and shock our soul. In the Beit Mikdash, the very sensation and experience of life is very powerful - and everything there is directed towards that which is sacred!
Furthermore: The Beit HaMikdash is, of course, also a place of Torah instruction and guidance, a place where Jewish Law is determined for all of Israel. It is the summit of brainpower and Torah study.
Thus, the Holy Temple that will soon be rebuilt is that which uplifts man and Israel to their highest heights in terms of bringing to the fore their life forces. Without the Temple, we live low-intensity lives. For us, as human beings and Jews who can attain so much, this is a great loss.
In addition, the Mikdash was built when prophecy was a factor in national Jewish life. This is yet another special property whose expression is missing now for us. There is simply not sufficient Divinity in our lives, which are paltry in relation to the real lives that we have the potential to live!
Furthermore: The Beit Mikdash gives us the opportunity to manifest public service of G-d! The communal sacrificial offerings are an expression and actualization of the special type of connection between Israel and G-d. All of Israel are partners to these offerings, and our national spirit is truly aroused and expressed in this Divine service.
Most unfortunately, a much too widely accepted lie going around these days is that serving G-d is only a private matter, something between each individual and G-d. Soon, this out-of-date deception will be revealed for what it is: a falsehood engendered by our many centuries in Exile.
Our total national connection with G-d and the sacred values of Judaism will bring the Gentiles closer to us. We will be able to facilitate their correct devotion to G-d, while on the other hand we will be able to receive from them various areas of wisdom and other worthy values.
May we soon merit it!
Answered by Rav Michael Yomtovian, yeshiva.co/ask, translated by Hillel Fendel
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