3,834. The Location of the Altar

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 2:1

The location of the altar is very specific and it may not be changed, as per II Chronicles 22:1: “This is the altar for the burnt offerings of Israel.” Our Patriarch Yitzchak was bound as an offering on the future site of the Temple, as per Genesis 22:2: “Go to the land of Moriah.” We are taught that King Solomon built the Temple on Mount Moriah (II Chronicles 3:1).

Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 2:2

We have a universal tradition that the spot where David and Solomon built the altar on the threshing floor of Aravnah the Jebusite is where Avraham built the altar on which he bound Yizchak. Noah also built an altar there when he left the ark, as did Cain and Abel when they brought their offerings. Similarly, Adam offered a sacrifice there when he was created. In fact, Adam was created from that very spot. Regarding this, our Sages said that man was created from the place of his atonement (Bereishis Rabbah 14:8).