Rabbi Elisha Wolfson Refutes Claims Challenging Traditional Temple Mount Location

During a lesson delivered at the Temple Mount, Rabbi Elisha Wolfson addressed the controversial claims made in Rabbi Barak Shergai's new book "Noyo Shel Olam." Shergai argues that the traditional location of the Temple is incorrect and that it was actually situated about 13 meters below the current surface in the southern part of the Temple Mount. Rabbi Wolfson firmly rejected these assertions, citing halachic, topographical, and archaeological sources that support the long-standing accepted tradition.

Rabbi Wolfson explained that there is no contradiction between the words of the Talmudic sages and the established tradition, which has been affirmed by the Geonim and codified in Jewish law by both early and later authorities without dispute. He further noted that Shergai's claim is implausible from a physical standpoint, as the natural bedrock known as "Mother Rock" is clearly visible in the southern area, making it impossible for the Temple to have existed at a significantly lower level.

Concluding his lesson, Rabbi Wolfson urged people not to seek the Temple's location based on new discoveries but to rely on the ancient tradition firmly rooted in halacha and supported by archaeological and topographical evidence. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the sanctity of the site according to Jewish law and fulfilling the Torah's commandments related to it, quoting the verse, "Seek its peace and pray for it."