Ancient 'Gate Rotation' Ritual Revived at Jerusalem's Temple Mount

During the intermediate days of the Sukkot holiday, a centuries-old tradition known as 'Sivuv Ha'shaarim' or 'Gate Rotation' was observed around the gates of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City. This ancient custom, with roots dating back to the Geonim period (roughly 8th to 11th centuries CE), involves a procession led by yeshiva students and worshippers.

The ritual begins after morning prayers at Cotton Gate, near the Holy of Holies, with singing and prayers. Participants then proceed to rotate around the various gates of the Temple Mount, including the Iron Gate, Watchman's Gate, and Sheep Gate on the western side. They continue to the northern gates: the Dark Gate, from which the area of the Temple courtyard is visible, the Gate of Forgiveness, aligned with the site of the altar, and the Gate of Tribes, a large plaza used for singing and dancing.

The procession concludes with the eastern gates: the open Lion's Gate, the sealed Golden Gate, and the Eastern Gate. The tradition is documented in ancient sources, including a letter from Rabbi Shlomo ben Yehuda Gaon and a prayer order found in the Cairo Genizah, both referencing the practice of circling the Temple gates and praying for its rebuilding.

Students from the 'Adaret Eliyahu' yeshiva, also known as Zilberman Yeshiva, guide the procession, emphasizing modesty and adherence to the ritual's spiritual intent. They caution participants against nationalist provocations, stressing that the rotation should be performed solely out of longing and prayer for the Holy Temple.