Weekly Commentary: If Jew from time of Ancient Katzrin Synagogue saw it
today
Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA 28 April 2016

This Monday during Passover I was at the ancient synagogue located in
Katzrin in the Golan where musicians lead the the prayers.

As the standing room only crowd inside the Talmudic-era synagogue and
surrounding grounds sang the collection of Psalms that make up the Hallel
prayer, I was moved to wonder what a Jew from that time would say if he saw
this crowd.

At first glance, he would no doubt ask when the Messiah came.

After all, there is a strong sovereign Jewish State, with more Jews living
in the Land of Israel than at any time since the exodus from Egypt.

This while the Romans and those who followed can only be found in the pages
of the history books.

But what about the Temple?

Interesting question.

Coming from a period where survival very much depended on avoiding
confrontation he might reluctantly understand current policies.

Though I certainly would expect him to ask why it wasn't possible to arrange
for prayer in the courtyard of the Temple Mount - an area where Arab
youngsters can be seen playing soccer.

And that's when I would have to start telling him about Moshe Dayan...

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