Guide

Respect for the Temple after Its Destruction

3rd–5th Centuries

The following texts mandate that the site of the Temple be treated with reverence even when the Temple itself is not standing.

Related Primary Sources

Primary Source

Sifra on Respect for the Temple Site

Public Access

Text

MY SABBATHS YOU SHALL KEEP, AND MY SANCTUARY YOU SHALL FEAR; I AM THE LORD (Leviticus 19:30). I might think that the building of the Temple countermanded the [keeping of the] Sabbath; it is therefore…

Primary Source

The Talmud on Respect for the Temple Site

Public Access

Text

What is fear of the Temple? A person should not enter the Temple Mount with his walking stick, sandals, or wallet or with dust on his feet, and he should not…