The Israelites, having miraculously escaped death at the hands of the Egyptian army, sang "Shirat HaYam", a song of praise and thanks for their Divine rescue. The song concludes with the fervent wish to merit God's Presence in the holy Temple in Jerusalem:

"Bring (the people) and plant them on the mount You possess. To the place of Your dwelling that You prepared, God — the Temple, God, that Your hands have founded." (Ex. 15:17)

The Sages noted that the word Temple is sandwiched in between God's Name. "Great is the Temple, since it was placed between two Divine Names" (Berachot 33a). What is the significance of this fact?

In general, we need to examine how a special level of sanctity may be restricted to a particular location. What relationship can there be between holiness — a boundless, non-physical quality — and the limited boundaries of physical space? How can God's Presence be confined to a specific structure?

Spatial Sanctity

In truth, we cannot fathom the mystery of holiness limited to a particular place. However, we can recognize the tremendous benefit in designating a location as a focal point for people to gather together with the holy aim of honoring God. Such a center serves to advance mankind's moral and spiritual progress.

Of course, the Creator of the human soul knows its inner workings. God knows that designating sanctity to a particular place is necessary for our spiritual development.

Now we may understand the significance of two Names of God surrounding the word 'Temple.' God's Name indicates the way we call out to God and how we relate to Him. Our relationship to God, within the context of the Temple, has two aspects. The first is due to the intrinsic sanctity of the Temple, the pinnacle of holiness in the universe. We connect with this inner holiness on a deep emotional level. It inspires our faculties of imagination to spiritual greatness, instilling powerful yearnings for goodness and holiness. This is the first Divine Name associated with the Temple.

The second aspect of the Temple and its spiritual impact stems from its collective benefit for humans as social beings. The Temple serves as a central location for people to gather together for common spiritual goals, bolstering the moral resolve and aspirations of the entire nation. This aspect of the Temple's spiritual influence — one that is accessible to human logic — corresponds to the second Divine Name.

In fact, the text hints to both of these aspects. Regarding the intrinsic holiness of the Temple, it says, "The place of Your dwelling that You prepared." God prepared the special sanctity of the Temple, in order to inspire and uplift us. And regarding its value as a spiritual center for the nation, it says, "The Temple, that Your hands have founded." God founded the Temple as a center for our collective aspirations, a focal point to advance humanity's true fulfillment.

(adapted from Olat Re'iyah vol. I p. 236; Ein Eyah vol. I p. 157)

Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison