Memory of the Temple in Judaism (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

The Western Wall is the only remaining part of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE

• By visiting it, Jews maintain a physical and emotional link to the Temple and its significance

The Temple was once the centre of Jewish worship, where sacrifices were made and where G-d’s presence (Shekhinah) is believed to be

• Praying at the wall honours that history and keeps the spiritual longing for the Temple alive

The wall remains a place for Jews to pray, mourn and reflect

• Many Jews visit to place notes with prayers in the cracks

• It is a place of mourning the Temple’s loss and hope for its restoration (linked to Messianic beliefs)

The Western Wall unites the Jewish people

• Jews from around the world visit the wall as a form of pilgrimage

• It serves as a shared symbol of tradition, history and hope

The Ark (Aron Kodesh) is a special cabinet in the synagogue that holds the Torah scrolls

• It is placed on the eastern wall, facing Jerusalem, the direction of the ancient Temple

The Ark represents the Holy of Holies (Kodesh HaKodashim) in the ancient Temple, where the original Ark of the Covenant was kept

• It reminds Jews of the centrality of the Temple in Jewish worship and G-d’s presence (Shekhinah)

Just as the Temple was the focus of ancient Jewish worship, the Ark is the focal point of the synagogue today

• When the Torah is taken out, it is done with reverence, often accompanied by music and standing, just as the Temple rituals were treated with holiness

Using the Ark keeps the traditions of Temple worship alive in modern Judaism

• It helps Jews feel a spiritual connection to their past and to the Temple, even though it no longer stands

When praying in the synagogue, Jews pray facing Jerusalem, where the Temple once stood

• This physical act reminds them of the Temple’s central role in Jewish worship

The structure and content of the daily prayers also relate to the Temple

• The Amidah (central prayer) is also known as the “Standing Prayer” and was designed to replace the Temple sacrifices and includes prayers for:

  • Rebuilding the Temple

  • Returning to Jerusalem

  • The restoration of the sacrificial system

Special prayers of mourning the Temple’s destruction are included in daily, Shabbat and festival services

• On Tisha B’Av, Jews fast and recite lamentations over the Temple’s destruction

The consistent daily prayer routine maintains a spiritual connection to the Temple’s rhythm of worship

• Reciting these prayers keeps the hope of restoration alive across generations