Rabbi Barred From Temple Mount After Shofar Blowing, Summoned for Hearing
Rabbi Aryeh Lifshitz was removed from the Temple Mount and summoned for a police hearing after blowing the shofar there on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Lifshitz, a resident of Gilad Farm, arrived at the holy site with his family and sounded the shofar thirty times during the afternoon prayer service. Following the incident, he was escorted off the premises and called in for questioning.
In response, Rabbi Lifshitz penned a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Police Commissioner, and Jerusalem district commanders. Speaking to Channel 7, he recounted the event and his feelings about the summons. The shofar he used was a replacement for one lost when his home in Gilad Farm burned down. A teacher at the school where he serves as rabbi gave him the shofar, which had belonged to her father.
Lifshitz noted that on the same day, other worshippers who had blown shofars and silver trumpets during the morning service were immediately removed. However, he felt the police officers' conduct was more respectful than in previous years, describing an atmosphere where "the hearts of the officers and police were with us," contrasting with past hostility.
He believes the prohibition against blowing the shofar on the Temple Mount dates back to the British Mandate era, citing historical accounts of restrictions imposed by the Waqf. Lifshitz called for a policy change, stating, "The State of Israel must uphold freedom of worship not only for Muslims." He argued that if Jews are prevented from performing religious commandments, it undermines Israel's democratic and Jewish values. He urged the Prime Minister and Minister to act, emphasizing the need to change the current policy, which he described as "humiliating."
Lifshitz recounted childhood stories of Rabbi Moshe Zvi Segal blowing the shofar at the Western Wall despite British prohibitions, and how Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook intervened with the High Commissioner for his release. He drew a parallel to his own experience, feeling that he too had become part of such a historical event. He concluded by advocating for equal treatment for all visitors to the Temple Mount, whether Jews or Muslims, or a complete prohibition for everyone.
