Positive Commandment 21 (Digest)
Respecting the Temple
"And revere My sanctuary"—Leviticus 19:30.
We are commanded to greatly revere the Temple. It is not the physical structure that we revere, but the One who commanded us to build [and who dwells in] it.
Included in this mitzvah are the following laws:
* It is forbidden to enter the Temple Mount while wearing shoes, or clad in an undershirt.
* It is forbidden to enter the Temple Mount with one's walking stick or with dusty feet.
* It is forbidden to spit on the Temple Mount.
* It is forbidden to use the Temple Mount as a shortcut.
* Only monarchs of the Davidic Dynasty are permitted to sit in the Temple Courtyard.
This mitzvah applies at all times, even today when – due to our many sins – the Temple has been destroyed. [We still must respect and revere the Temple Mount.]
Unabridged English Text of this Mitzvah »
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> The 21st mitzvah is that we are commanded to have a tremendous amount of awe for the Holy Temple , to the extent that the fear and trembling becomes set in our hearts. This mitzvah is known as mora'as HaMikdash.
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> The source of this mitzvah is G‑d's statement;) (exalted be He), "Revere My Sanctuary."
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> The exact nature of this mitzvah is described in the Sifra:;) "What constitutes awe? Do not enter the Temple Mount carrying a walking stick, or wearing shoes, or clad in an undershirt,;) or with dirt on one's feet. Do not use it as a shortcut and certainly do not spit there." It is explained in many Talmudic passages;) that it is absolutely forbidden for one to sit down in the Temple courtyard, with the exception of a king from the House of David. All of these laws are included in this that G‑d (exalted be He) said, "Revere My Sanctuary."
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> This commandment applies forever, even now when — due to our many sins — it has been destroyed. The Sifra;) says, "From this verse ['Revere My Sanctuary'] I only know that the mitzvah applies when the Sanctuary is standing. What verse tells us that it applies even when there is no Sanctuary? From [the two phrases,] 'Keep My Sabbaths and revere My Sanctuary.' Just as the mitzvah of keeping the Sabbath is forever, so too the mitzvah of having awe for the Sanctuary." They also explain there, "The awe is not for the Sanctuary itself, but for the One who gave the command regarding the Sanctuary.";)
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> Footnotes
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> 1.
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> Lev. 19:30.
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> 2.
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> Kedoshim 7:9.
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> 3.
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> See Commentary on the Mishneh, Berachos54a.
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> 4.
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> See Yoma 25aand sources referenced there.
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> 5.
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> Kedoshim 7:8.
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> 6.
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> This final statement explains how one can have awe for the Sanctuary even when it is not standing.