254. Oh, Behave: The obligation to show respect for the Temple

A person should have a healthy does of reverence for the Temple, which is the place where God has chosen to most strongly manifest a feeling of His presence. The Talmud in Brachos (54a) gives some examples of how one would display this sense of respect. One was not permitted to enter the Temple Mount with his staff, shoes or money belt. The holy site could not be used as a shortcut and spitting was prohibited. Tractate Sanhedrin (101b) adds that no one is permitted to sit in the Temple courtyard (except for a king of the Davidic dynasty). Other details are seen elsewhere, such as the practice to back out rather than turning one’s back (Yoma 52b).

The reason for this mitzvah is because the Temple is where God designated for us to perform special service meant to draw us closer to Him. To respect it is to respect Him. To disrespect it… well, let’s not complete that thought.

This mitzvah applies to both men and women. Even now that the Temple is not currently standing, we are obligated to revere its once-and-future site. We may not indiscriminately ascend the Temple Mount or act inappropriately in its environs. (Really, one shouldn’t act inappropriately anywhere.) We must likewise show proper respect for our synagogues, which currently stand in as miniature Temples. (Many people are sadly lax in this matter.)

This mitzvah is discussed in the Talmud in tractate Brachos on pages 62b-63a and elsewhere. It is codified in the Shulchan Aruch in Orach Chaim 151. It is #21 of the 248 positive mitzvos in the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos and #18 of the 77 positive mitzvos that can be fulfilled today as listed in the Sefer HaMitzvos HaKatzar of the Chofetz Chaim.