Temple

Abstract

This report investigates the Jewish Temple of Jerusalem, its significance to the Jewish people and how this significance is retained in modern Jewish thought. It firstly looks at the history of the Jewish people to the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital and the selection of the Temple site. The second part of the report discusses the three successive temples that were built on the site and their role within Jewish society. Finally the report looks at how the significance of the Temple is maintained for the Jews today, through the institution of the synagogue, and it looks at the belief that the Temple will be rebuilt when the Messiah comes.