The Beit haMikdash and the Earth

Hi,

A fascinating mystical idea: The Beit haMikdash is designed to parallel features of our planet:

"For this reason they said that the Temple Mount was 500 by 500 [cubits], parallel to the world as a whole, which is 500 years' walk in width and length, 500 by 500. 

"And it is known that the world stands without support, suspended by the declaration of Gd, like Job 27, 'He suspends the world on nothing.' So they said that under the Temple Mount were domes upon domes, with hollow spaces below, like the world standing upon nothing."

(Rabbi Moshe Isserles, Torat haOlah 1:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Why kohanim wash their hands

Hi,

"The kohanim were instructed to sanctify their hands and feet from the water of the kiyor before their service, to demonstrate the idea that the hands receive celestial influence from the water of the [celestial] Well."

היו הכהנים מצווין בקידוש ידים ורגלים ממי הכיור קודם עבודתן, והוא להורות על הכוונה כי הידים הם מקבלים מלמעלה השפע ממי הבאר...

(Rabbi Moshe Isserless, Torat haOlah 2:46)

Have a great day,
Mordechai