EXTREME MAKEOVER: Temple Edition ~ The Laws on G-d’s Residence of Choice Rambam: Hilchot Beit HaBechira. Chapter 7; 23a
Episode #70 – “THE UPPER STOREY” Having previously arrived at the penultimate of sacred space, the innermost Sanctum of the Jerusalem Temple – referred to as the Holy of Holies, there’s only direction to move: Up!
Having completed the detailed enumeration of the Ten Stages of Holiness designed to enhance our reverence and awe for Hashem’s “Chosen Home,” Maimonides now takes us up into the upper level.
This begs an obvious question: once you’ve already reached the top, how can you go any higher?! As we delve into this Higher than Holiest space things will become clear.
The limited access – for reparative purposes only – is limited for technical reasons. The severely restricted nature of the occasional inspection is, in fact, NOT positive proof of a higher level of Holiness.
Rather being a sacred space in its own right, the story behind the Temple’s Upper Storey’s seeming sanctity is really about reverence due to association and proximity!
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