Today we finally met former Clevelander Rabbi Michael Unterberg face-to- face. For the past six months Rabbi Unterberg, now living in Israel, has been instrumental in our learning about the Jewish State through internet technologies. In person, he provided a very meaningful tour of the western and southern wings of the Ancient Temple.
Some questions we asked Rabbi Mike:
Q: What is the relationship between King Herod and the southern excavation sites?
A: These buildings were the construction projects of King Herod who was not only a celebrated king but an ingenious architect. His buildings included the Temple Mount, which is what is currently being excavated.
Q: We all know about the Western Wall, but what other parts remain?
A: The entrances into and out of the Temple area still exist. They offer great insight into what would happen in the Temple on daily basis. This included
where one normally entered and exited and complex traditions of offering special greetings to people in mourning who entered and exited
through a different path.
Q: What is the significance of the activist group “the Women of the Wall”
(WOW)?
A: The Women of the Wall fight for equality in the ability to pray and express their Judaism at the Western Wall. A new compromise proposal would locate their place of prayer near the southern steps where Israelites once entered the Temple.
Q: Why is there so much controversy regarding the WOW and is it justified?
A: The idea of women demanding equality has long been a controversial topic. The considerable backlash is not justified. It can be compared to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who also fought for equality.
Learning about Jerusalem’s past is essential to understanding Jerusalem today and perhaps of the future as well.