Lead Tidbit
So Let's Do It!
Before you fulfill the mitzva of dwelling in a Sukka, you have to prepare for the mitzva - you have to build a Sukka. Want to eat matza at the Seder? Someone has to cut the wheat, process the flour, bake the matzot, buy the matzot. Preparation for mitzvot is not only that which leads to and allows us to fulfill the mitzvot, but the preparation in and of itself is significant. Shabbat needs to be prepared for, so do almost all mitzvot. What about the Mitzva to Build the Mikdash?

There are several different ways that we can - that we MUST - prepare for the building of the Beit HaMikdash and the restoration of the Divine Presence within our midst, as the pasuk commands and promises. Learn and teach Torah and Mitzvot. Observe and encourage and inspire others to keep mitzvot. Build and maintain the Jewish community, especially in Eretz Yisrael. This includes coming to live here, encouraging others to live here, and helping with the absorption of new Olim. In other words, T'shuva, return... to G-d and the Land. This is the two-faceted T'shuva that the Torah commands. And there is more. Long for the Geula and the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash. Don't just mouth the ideas in davening. Mean them. Feel them. You don't? Work on it. Joyful and hopeful anticipation of the Geula is part of being a Jew. If you aren't really there yet, but want to be, it is within your grasp. Talk it over with the right people, get recommendations about what to read on the subject.

37 years ago, we heard the amazing, exciting, unforgettable words, HAR HA- BAYIT B'YADEINU. The Temple Mount is in our hands. We've fumbled and bobbled the ball repeatedly ever since, but Har HaBayit is still in our hands. And our grip on it must tighten. This too is part of preparing for the building of the Beit HaMikdash. Many actual parts of the preparation have begun - study and the making of various vessels. Get ready; let's do it!