Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute in Jerusalem is touring the US, and came to speak in Clovis, NM. Even in New Mexico we say “why Clovis??”. Much of the support, both moral and financial, for Temple Institute projects comes from Christians in these small US towns. Rabbi Richman explains that this is proper, as the Temple is to be the “house of prayer for all nations”.
Whether you would agree or not with the idea of rebuilding the Temple (about 65% of Israelis like the idea), this was an interesting and informative talk. And what could be more Jewish than that?
It’s a big thing in small towns when Rabbi Richman comes to visit, and the turnout and enthusiasm were high at this event. Sam Peak of Biblical Faith, a Jew who teaches gentiles in Texas, a long-time associate of the Temple Institute and Rabbi Richman, coordinates these trips to Texas and New Mexico.
Rabbi Richman brought the small gold dishes that will hold the frankincense in the temple, so that everyone could have a close look. He covered a broad range of topics in his talk: Adam, Noah, the Flood, Shem, Melchitzedek, Jerusalem, Abraham and the patriarchs and matriarchs, Ishmael, the origin of neighboring people, Frankincense, Show Bread, the timing of the dedications of the temples, the significance of the month of Heshvan, the importance of prayer, study and action, the current world situation, Israel, and US politics…among other things.
 Pt 1 |
 Pt 2 |
 Pt 3 |
 Pt 4 |