Israeli Rabbis Affirm Obedience to Halachic Authority on Temple Mount Visits
Meir Hasagrin addresses the misconception that ascending the Temple Mount constitutes defiance against leading rabbis. Drawing on personal encounters and halachic rulings, he demonstrates that even rabbis who prohibit such visits recognize the obligation of followers to adhere to their own rabbi's guidance. Hasagrin recounts a conversation with a community rabbi who would ascend if his own rabbi permitted it, illustrating that the practice depends on individual rabbinic instruction.
He shares his own experience growing up in Haifa under Rabbi Chaim Naftali Weisblum, who ruled that ascending the Temple Mount is not only permitted but a mitzvah, providing clear halachic permission. Hasagrin also discusses the complex halachic debate, including the late Rabbi Avraham Shapira's public opposition to ascending, which led Hasagrin to pause and investigate further. Upon consulting Rabbi Weisblum and other authorities, he found that the prohibition was a legitimate halachic dispute rather than a unanimous ban.
The article highlights various prominent rabbis who permitted or supported ascending the Temple Mount in a state of ritual purity, including Rabbi Nahum Eliezer Rabinovitch, Rabbi Shaar Yeshuv Cohen, Rabbi Yaakov Nissan Rosenthal, Rabbi Meir Mazuz, Rabbi Dov Lior, and Rabbi Eliyahu Rahamim Zini. It also notes that some rabbis who publicly opposed ascending allowed it privately to individual Torah scholars.
Hasagrin clarifies misunderstandings surrounding a famous rabbinic proclamation forbidding ascent issued after the Six-Day War, explaining that some signatories later changed their stance due to new halachic insights and changing realities. He recounts how Rabbi Dudi Hai Cohen, once a signatory opposing ascent, later permitted it after reevaluating the situation.
The piece warns against the spiritual harm caused by accusations that those who ascend disrespect Torah leaders, emphasizing that following one's halachic authority is itself an expression of reverence. Hasagrin calls for unity and respect among Torah scholars and encourages sharing stories and halachic rulings related to Rabbi Weisblum's teachings on the subject.
