Tsfas residents and other lucky visitors to the ancient Holy city reported not only having a vision of the 3rd Temple on “Shabbos Chazon,” as per the well known teaching of Chassidic Rebbe Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev.
More than 100 awe-inspired others witnessed the wondrous spectacle on several other occasions throughout the Three Weeks – literally.
Thanks to the handiwork of 3rd Temple model builder, noted author and Temple historian, Chaim Clorfene, institutional groups and members of the general public flocked to a captivating exhibit space during the Three Weeks in Tsfas.
There, they were treated to an hour-long presentation focused on Clorfene’s 1:150 scale model of the Beis Hamikdash Hashlisi, based on the prophetic vision of Ezekiel and which will be build with the coming of Moshiach.
The model was opened for special viewings during the Three Weeks, specifically to facilitate the fulfillment of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s directive for people to make a concerted effort to learn about the 2nd and 3rd Temple designs to help transform the traditionally mournful period into a time of Temple construction and redemption. It appeared for many to have had the desired effect.
“This exhibit was a blessed marvel for all to experience,” quipped presentation participant and Tsfat resident, Chaim Zvi HaCohane. “It is the virtual fulfillment of every soul who fervently yearns for the perfection of the Jew’s mission.”
The exhibit was not scheduled to be presented on “Shabbos Chazon” itself, the auspicious day when according to R’ Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev every Jew is given the opportunity to witness a vision of the future Temple from a distance.
But five people on the Day of Rest (Shabbos) who had heard about the exhibit knocked on the door of the proprietors and asked to be given a peek and mini-tour, which they were granted.
“It was so amazing,” Nechama Caplan, one of the Shabbos Chazon viewers, said. “It was not the vision of the Temple that I had in mind as I didn’t realize the shape of the 3rd Temple was not a rectangle like the 2nd Temple design (and instead is more square). So I got to change my incorrect vision of the Beis Hamikdash on Shabbos Chazon.”
“As the Rebbe intended,” she added, “The more people who have the opportunity to witness the Temple, and make it a real vision, the quicker we will bring it down.”
This was in fact was Clorfene’s intent in getting involved in 3rd Temple teachings. He decided to build the model of the eternal Temple while authoring a book on the subject, entitled: “The Messianic Temple,” a slick and scholarly tome that elucidates in pictures and prose the entirety of Ezekiel’s vision.
The first printing of the book was seven years in the making and published in 2005. With brochos from the Rebbe, he became steeped in Temple history and dissemination of the knowledge in the late 1980s, when commissioned to write and produce a video, entitled: “Wake the Dawn,” on the evolution of Temple history that included a segment on the 3rd temple.
“Once I made the video, I had a taste for the 3rd Temple,” Clorfene said. “I decided this was my calling – to study and teach about the future Temple. I began to realize it’s a subject that is neglected in the Torah world, along with Ezekiel’s vision, so I thought I would work through it and make it easier for people. After all, by studying its design, we bring the geulah and its arrival closer as it says in the Midrash (Tanchuma Tzav 14).”
Visitors to Tsfas will have the opportunity to view the exhibit and hear the presentation year-round by e-mailing [email protected], for directions, hours and making a reservation.
Yasher Koah Rabbi Clorfene!
People are very excited to learn about Bayis Shlishi.
Thank you Rabbi Chaim Clorfene for bringing all the righteous people closer to our G_d of Abraham Isaac and Jacob.
Your work will help bring the heavenly Temple to earth so that the earthly Temple can be built and we can dwell with our Creator, the King of the Universe.
k.o.smith and members
Temple Ministries Inc.
Sure looks like a holy idea to me.
Sign me up for a job in the Museum
kol HaKavod
Could there be a video of this?
BS”D Wow C.Clorfene still alive and kicking with E. Tillis in attendance. The good old days. (in Crown Heights). Till 180 boys
thnx for sharing!