Furthermore, the Gemara (Arachin 11b) states that “a [Levite] singer who guarded is punished with death.” In other words, a singer cannot stand guard. But levi’im no longer know what their ancestors did in the Temple. If an individual levi descends from a family of singers, he would be acting wrongly by standing guard.
What Is There To Guard?
The Sochatchover Rebbe zt”l, author of Avnei Nezer (Responsa, Y.D. 449), had doubts about the idea of posting guards around the Temple nowadays. One posts gaurds to honor something precious. But with the Temple destroyed and a mosque standing in its place, what is there to guard? What is there to honor?
The Aderes claimed that if guarding the Temple Mount was meant to prevent impure people from entering, there’s no reason for guards in our time since Jews cannot ascend the Temple in any event. This statement was correct in his era. Presently, however, Jews can enter the Temple Mount. Indeed, some (even some Orthodox Jews) take advantage of this freedom to ascend the Temple Mount, even though the majority of today’s great rabbis believe doing so is forbidden due to doubt of where the exact boundaries of the Temple Mount are.
Meoros Hadaf Hayomi Newsletters are published by the Sochachover Kollel of Bnei Brak, led by Rabbi Chaim Dovid Kovalsky. Meoros Hadaf Hayomi Newsletters in Hebrew and/or English are available for simcha and memorial dedications. They are distributed by e-mail, [email protected].
