Rambam with Rabbi Mendel Kaplan- The Laws of God's Chosen House (Hilchot Beit Habechirah)

LIT FOR SHABBAT!

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:11c The Laws of God's Chosen House ! HOLDING PATTERN FOR FRIDAY NIGHT. MINDING TIME & SPACE In past Episodes, we discussed the pre-dawn Priestly Guard Duty Sweep around the Azara (Beit HaMikdash Courtyard) perimeter. Torch-led groups set off in opposite directions and completed the circle at the appointed meeting place. In this new Episode we conclude with the final Halacha that emphasizes the need to maintain the pattern of this concluding ritual on the night of Shabbat as well. Yet, it is here that the Sanctity of Time and Space are set on Collison Course! To Hold the Pattern of Daily Guard Duty, and nonetheless Guard the holiness of Shabbat we reach a compromise by pre-placing torches, instead of holding them. This however sets off a firestorm of contradictory jurisprudence. According the Rambam's own Mitzva Metrics this precautionary methodology seems superfluous! By further developing and applying the Rebbe's novel Temple Watch Thesis many more questions continue to be resolved and answered!

BAKERY MEETING!

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:11c The Laws of God's Chosen House ! COMPLETING THE WATCH BY A GREETING AND PROMPT TO BAKE In the immediate past Episode, we learnt how the nocturnal Priestly Guard Duty to Mind the Mikdash was completed by a circular sweep around the Azara (Beit HaMikdash Courtyard) perimeter. The two torch-led groups that previously headed off in opposite directions meet-up at the Chavitan Baker's Chamber. And now, as the circle is being completed -- special greetings are extended to one another. As day is about to break, it's time to conclude and hand-off the baton of mindfulness by getting the day going. Learn how that happens when the proverbial Sanctuary Sentries take the initiative to actively prompt the Chavitan Bakers. Why meet there, and what does the initiation of the daily schedule of services have to do with the Priestly Palace Guards? In this new Episode we'll further develop the Rebbe's Temple Watch Thesis that continues to clarify and answer so many questions!

HOLD YOUR FIRE!

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:11b The Laws of God's Chosen House ! FLAMING TORCH-LEAD SEARCH BY E/W DIRECTIONAL DIVISION After the delineating the respective Guard Duties of the Cohanim and Levites, we focused on the climatic walking of the dawn that ended the nightly Mikdash minding. What began with a gentle knock on the door swiftly evolves into an official perimeter sweep in the form of a flaming, ceremonial Torch-led Search. To proceed there's a required Directional Division, as one group heads East and other goes West. Walking near the walls a complete Courtyard Circuit must be achieved. As they made their separate ways around the Azara (Beit HaMikdash Courtyard), a thorough check of provisional Temple artifacts went down. The circle would only be closed when both fired-up groups arrived at Chavitan Baker's Chamber!

BREAKING DAWN!

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:11a The Laws of God's Chosen House ! KNOCK FIRST, THEN OPEN. GET THE KEYS, YET USE THE WICKET In previous Episodes we learnt about Cohanim and Levites positioned each night to mind the Beit HaMikdash, as well as the official oversight and the methods employed to enforce compliance of this sacred Guard Duty. In this new Episode, we focus on the next order of business, walking the dawn to end the night and kickstart a new day. Now, a new Sheriff arrives on site and begins the process by knocking on the door first thereby activating the waiting Cohanim. The retrieval of the Keys and the informal opening of a door is next. Keys in Hand, this Mikdash Manager who oversees the division of daily priestly responsibilities will muster the young Cohanim to launch official walkaround as they enter the Mikdash Courtyard proper via a mere wicket door, rather than the regular Grand Gateway.

YOU'RE FIRED!

Rambam - Hilchot Beit Habechirah 8:10b The Laws of God's Chosen House ' ! SCORCHED BY A TORCH, CRIES SOUND-OFF IN THE HOLY CITY In our previous Episode we learnt about a Powerful Officer who oversaw the 24 watches of Cohanim and Levites who were supposed to be minding the Har HaBayit perimeter, and Beit HaMikdash proper. Making torch-lit rounds he would review the sentries all night-long. And he would enforce full compliance. Anyone caught sleeping on the job would receive immediate corporal punishment. In the new Episode we learn more about radical methods of enforcement. In addition to striking the sentry with his staff, he was even allowed to light his clothes on fire! Were Cohanim included, or did this only apply to the Levites, were such extreme measure ever actually employed, and finally, how could that even be legal? Our illuminating analysis will shed much light on this hot button, burning issue!!