The Temple Mount is the holiest place in the world.
It is the site where God created the world, where Abraham bound Isaac on the altar, where the First and Second Temples once stood, and where, in the future, the Third Temple will be built.
Because of its extraordinary sanctityt, there are important preparations and guidelines that must be observed while ascending.
Footwear and Personal Belongings
Footwear
Ascend without leather shoes. Acceptable options include cloth shoes, Crocs, non-leather sandals, or going barefoot, similar to Yom Kippur.
Personal Belongings
Entering the Temple Mount without unnecessary belongings helps preserve the sense that this is a sacred destination, not a place one passes through on the way elsewhere. Therefore, it is recommended to ascend without a bag.
Bags may be left at the police station or in designated lockers outside the Mount.
Ritual Purity and Immersion in a Mikveh:
Ascending the Temple Mount requires immersion in a kosher mikveh and entering the site in a state of Tehara (purity).
What Is a Mikveh?
In Jewish tradition, tumah (ritual impurity) and taharah (ritual purity) are spiritual states connected to life, loss, and physical processes. The holiness of the Temple Mount requires that one separate from impurity and ascend in purity.
Immersion in a mikveh symbolizes renewal. Completely surrounded by living water, one returns—symbolically—to a state of wholeness and spiritual readiness before entering a sacred place.
When Should You Go to the Mikveh?
Men: On the morning of the day of ascending the Temple Mount.
Women: On the evening before ascending, after completing all halachic requirements.
Preparing for the Mikveh
The Preparations include:
- Removing all jewelry, earrings, and piercings
- Showering thoroughly with soap and shampoo
- Cleaning the body carefully, including nails and teeth
- Combing hair, trimming nails, and removing dry skin
- Immersing without clothing
In short, arrive as clean and prepared as possible, with care and attention.
The Blessing Before Immersion
Before immersing oneself, the following blessing is recited:
“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us regarding immersion.”
One full immersion in the mikveh is sufficient for ritual purity.
Learn More About Taharah
The impurities one must purify themselves from before ascending the Temple Mount relate to birth, menstruation, seminal emission, and marital relations.
Because these are sensitive and personal topics, it is strongly recommended that anyone immersing for the first time consult a knowledgeable Rabbinical authority.
Men: Rabbi Itai Elitzur – 052-720-3210
Women: Rabbanit Idit Bartov – 050-366-3101
It is also recommended if possible to go to the mikveh with someone familiar with the process, to make the experience comfortable and straightforward.
Where Are We Allowed to Go On the Temple Mount?
After the Mivkveh, one may ascend the Temple Mount in accordance with halacha under proper guidance.
The Temple Mount contains areas of differing levels of holiness. The innermost area, known as the Camp of the Divine Presence, remains prohibited.
Our guides are familiar with the permitted and prohibited areas and are present on the Temple Mount regularly. Their assistance is free of charge and helps ensure that you remain within halachically permitted paths.
Map Key
Blue: “The Women’s Court” – the original Camp of the Divine Presence
Red: Later extension of the Camp of the Divine Presence; the furthest area permitted after Mikveh
White: Standard visitor route on the Temple Mount
Do you have a halakhic or any other question? Ask us and we will reply.
We pass on your questions to Rabbis who are well versed in the subject of the Temple Mount.
