Sunday 25 July 2010

The Vilna Gaon and the BhM

Apparently the Vilna Gaon longed to witness the Temple service very much. Let's say metaphorically: "he would have given anything to see the Avodah in the Beth Hamiqdash live and in person."

The question I have is: What was the GRA's motivation?

One colleague on a list suggested it was spiritual. IE The GRA wanted to soak up the Q'dushah like a sponge. Another colleague suggested it was educational. Instead of hearing [sometimes disputed] accounts re: the Avodah and the Middoth of the Keilim, he wanted to see it for himself how Seder Kodoshim worked in person.

What do YOU think?

Shalom
RRW

2 comments:

Garnel Ironheart said...

Here's what I want to know - all those heated arguments. Didn't anyone keep notes? I mean, many of the Tannaim were around during Temple times. Why so many disagreements? They could just go and see how things were done.

Skeptic said...

Apparently? What is the source for this idea about the Gra?