Rabbi Brander Urges Unity and Social Justice as True Legacy of the Temple
Rabbi Dr. Katriel Brander emphasizes that the Temple in Jerusalem symbolizes far more than destruction or the hope for its rebuilding; it represents shared responsibility, mutual guarantee, social justice, and kindness, values that could unify Israeli society. During the period of the Three Weeks leading to Tisha B'Av, many ask him why he does not ascend the Temple Mount, often assuming he is either a 'messianist' obsessed with rebuilding the Third Temple or disconnected from its significance. This question highlights the deep divisions within Israeli society, stemming from mutual estrangement and lack of understanding.
While half the population observes mourning customs such as refraining from shaving, live music, weddings, and new clothes to preserve a national sense of loss, others are either unaware of these days or fearful of their implications. Rabbi Brander points out the paradox that amid external threats like antisemitism, terrorism, and war, internal divisions prevent Israelis from drawing inspiration from the Temple’s shared heritage. He argues that mourning and yearning alone are insufficient; active efforts are needed to revive the Temple’s legacy through spiritual and moral awakening focused on unity and justice.
The Temple historically united Jews from all social strata, fostering a collective destiny and encouraging participation in building a just society with shared responsibility. It was a place that cared for youth education, communal celebrations and tragedies, public infrastructure, and the environment, contrasting with today’s issues of public property damage. Social justice, a central value in Israeli society, was integral to the Temple era, exemplified by mechanisms like the sabbatical year and the Temple’s secret charity office, which protected the dignity of the needy.
Moreover, the Temple served as a spiritual beacon for all humanity, welcoming non-Jews to worship and sacrifice without threatening minority rights. Today, the cooperation of Muslims, Druze, and Christians alongside Jews in the IDF, emergency services, and healthcare reflects this vision, despite occasional extremist acts that threaten this fragile coexistence. Rabbi Brander criticizes the ongoing exemption of tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox from military service, which contradicts the Torah’s moral demands and the Temple’s vision of unity and shared responsibility.
In response to why he does not ascend the Temple Mount, Rabbi Brander stresses that until societal divisions and injustices are resolved, the messianic redemption will be delayed. Focusing solely on the physical rebuilding or sanctity of the Temple site is inadequate. The Temple’s structure and service embodied a deep commitment to unity and social justice, values that must inspire all Israelis, religious, ultra-Orthodox, and secular alike, to work toward a better, more ethical society. Only then will the prophetic vision of Zion redeemed through justice be realized, a messianic vision everyone can embrace. Rabbi Brander is president and head of the Or Torah Stone institutions.
