Book Illustrates Beis Hamikdash

Educators often note that there really are few texts that teachers can avail themselves of to teach young children about the Beis Hamikdash.

Although older children may be able to learn about the Beis Hamidash from the original sources such as Yechezkel, Mishna, and Rambam, younger children (under bar/bat mitzvah) can often be excluded from learning about the Beis Hamikdash.

The Rebbe placed great emphasis on learning the Halachos of the Beis Hamikdash during the three weeks. The importance of learning about the construction and specific service in the Beis Hamikdash is based on Midrashim and the Rambam, who explains that we actually help to build the Beis Hamikdash through our study of the halachos and structure. In fact because we are not physically able to fulfill the commandment of building the Beis Hamikdash, we actually fulfill our obligation to build the Beis Hamikdash through our study. Hashem tells Yehezkel that when one learns about the Beis Hamikdash, He will actually consider it as though he actually built it!

When we have such a great opportunity, why should children be excluded from such a great Mitzvah? Of course everyone should learn according to their own understanding and children can and should be included in the learning. Herein lies the initiative to teach children about the Beis Hamikdash and the birth of the idea for an illustrated history of the Beis Hamikdash and the story of Tisha b’Av

The three weeks usually fall during the time when many children are away in camp. Although many camps encourage learning and include learning groups in their daily schedule, the three weeks and the Beis Hamikdash can be a difficult subject to teach. How can teachers teach children anything meaningful about the Beis Hamikdash according to their understanding that would also engage them?

Drawing on our fascinating and illustrious history as well as Midrashim about the many miracles that took place in the Beis Hamikdash, children can now understand and learn about the building and the destruction of the two Batei Mikdashshos and why we follow the minhagim of Tisha b’Av. In addition, children are taught about the service that took place each day in the Beis Hamikdah as well as the function of the various keilim.

The book emphasizes that our actions and Mitzvos do make a difference and that every mitzvah we do will help to rebuild the final Beis Hamikdash.

This beautifully illustrated book makes the Beis Hamikdash come alive with full color pictures of the keilim, the avoda of the kohanim, the chagim and more!

The book is hard cover, in large format (81/2 x11), 48 pages, authored and published by Leah Miller (Toldotainu Press) and was reviewed by Lubavitcher Rabbonim.

The book is available now at local book stores across the US and Canada, as well as Crown Heights. The book may also be purchased on Amazon or for a 10% discount of $16.95 plus $2.99 shipping until Tisha b’Av here: Paypal – to [email protected]