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and the services conducted in it are based on the Tabernacle and used to anoint kings. It is from this ritualistic act that the name
the Temple and the service performed there. Both the conceptual “Mashiach,” which means “the anointed one,” is derived.
basis and the composition of our prayer services are taken from the Olive oil allegorically represents a profound secret: light emanates
order and content of the Temple service. This did not happen by from physical matter. When physical matter is probed and “beaten”
accident. After the destruction of the Second Temple, the Sages like an olive, it reveals a deeper dimension of energy and light. The
brilliantly recreated the experience of the service in the Temple in Zohar teaches that all matter is simply different degrees of “thickened
the synagogue. The Talmud even explicitly states that our prayers light.” What is true of olive oil is in effect true of all physical reality.
today take the place of the Temple offerings (Berachot 26b).
Einstein’s theory of relativity and other modern scientific revelations
Physically, the bimah (the podium or the lectern where the prayer about energy and light have confirmed that matter is quite literally
leader stands) represents the outer altar where the sacrifices were energy.
offered, and the individual leading the prayers plays the role of the Mashiach is charged with teaching the world this link between
cohen, acting as the representative of the congregation. The Torah the physical and the spiritual worlds. Although Mashiach will be
ark, located at the front of the synagogue, contains the Torah scrolls, a warrior, a king, and the ultimate leader, his primary mission is
representing the Torah scroll that rested in the ark in the Holy of to educate the world, introducing a new level of consciousness to
Holies, the Tabernacle and the Temple’s innermost sanctum. The humanity. Ultimately all the people of the world will come to recognize
Holy of Holies had a curtain in front of it, as does the Torah ark the Divine unity animating all reality and the consummate union
today. The synagogue’s ner tamid (everlasting light) recalls the between the physical and the spiritual realms. Humanity will then
menorah (the seven-branched candelabrum). Further stressing realize that reality is none other than the light of God. The menorah
the physical connection between the synagogue and the Temple, symbolizes God’s infinite light and humanity’s role in revealing that
synagogues are always built facing the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, light in all places and at all times.
and the mechitzah (the partition between men and women used during
prayer) is modeled on the separation the Sages instituted in certain
areas of the Temple between men and women.
As for the matter of the prayers replacing the Temple service, it is
££The Light of Shabbat
impossible to cite all the examples of this here. However, it will be £The Light of ShabbatThe Light of Shabbat 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 9 - B | 18-01-28 | 12:12:04 | SR:-- | Magenta
instructive to mention a number of important parallels so that the #24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 9 - B | 18-01-28 | 12:12:04 | SR:-- | Yellow 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 9 - B | 18-01-28 | 12:12:04 | SR:-- | Black 24107-EYAL - 24107-EYAL | 9 - B | 1
reader can understand how much of our prayer services are based on
the Temple service. According to the Sages in Berachot 26b mentioned The term ner tamid (everlasting lamp) used to describe the daily
above, the Morning Service and the Afternoon Service correspond mitzvah to light the menorah’s seven lamps equals 704, the same as
to the daily morning and afternoon offerings. The Evening Service the numerical value of the word beShabbat (in or on Shabbat). The
corresponds to the offerings that burnt all night on the altar. The numerical value of the word “Shabbat” by itself is 702, which is the
Additional Service (Musaf), recited on Shabbat and the Pilgrimage exact inverse of the numerical value of the word ohr (light), 207. The
Festivals, replaces the additional offerings brought on these days. Hebrew word for light also equals the numerical value of the Hebrew
Each morning to remind us of the essential connection between prayer word for “infinite” (ein sof). This web of connections linking the
and the Temple service, Korbanot (biblical and Talmudic readings words “everlasting lamp,” “in/on Shabbat,” “light” and “infinite”
teaches us that God’s infinite aspect is revealed through His light,
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