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Going On Har Habayit/Temple Mount

Updated: Dec 17, 2025

The Daily Halacha Moment - Going On Har Habayit


״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)

“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)

Question:

May one go on Har Habayit?


Answer:

It is absolutely forbidden to ascend or enter Har HaBayit in our times. The Beit HaMikdash was built in areas of extreme holiness. This includes the Kodesh HaKodashim and other sacred zones. Entry into these areas is strictly prohibited without the proper state of ritual purity.


Today, we are all considered tamei, or ritually impure. It is impossible to determine with certainty which areas are permitted and which are forbidden. Even the slightest miscalculation could lead to entering a section of the mountain where entry carries the punishment of karet.


For this reason, leading poskim across generations have ruled against stepping foot on Har HaBayit today. This includes the Rambam and virtually all contemporary gedolei Yisrael. Out of reverence for its holiness, and to avoid the possibility of violating one of the gravest prohibitions in the Torah, Jews are strictly forbidden to enter.


Instead, we stand and pray from the outside. We pour out our hearts at the Kotel, which is the closest accessible point to the Makom HaMikdash. This restriction serves as a reminder of our great loss. It fuels our yearning for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash. When that day comes, we will once again be able to enter in purity, as prescribed by the Torah.


The Importance of Ritual Purity

Ritual purity is a significant aspect of Jewish law. It governs many areas of life, especially concerning sacred spaces. Understanding this concept helps clarify why ascending Har HaBayit is forbidden.


The Kodesh HaKodashim was the holiest place in the Beit HaMikdash. Only the High Priest could enter, and only on Yom Kippur. This highlights the extreme sanctity of the area. Today, we lack the means to achieve the required state of purity. Therefore, we must respect these boundaries.


The Role of Prayer

Prayer plays a crucial role in our connection to the Beit HaMikdash. While we cannot enter Har HaBayit, we can still express our devotion and longing through prayer. The Kotel serves as a powerful symbol of this connection.


When we pray at the Kotel, we are not just standing by a wall. We are reaching out to our heritage and expressing our hopes for the future. Each prayer is a step toward restoring the sanctity of the Beit HaMikdash.


The Future of Har HaBayit

The future of Har HaBayit remains a topic of discussion and hope. Many believe that one day, the Beit HaMikdash will be rebuilt. This belief is a source of strength for many. It inspires a deep yearning for spiritual connection and redemption.


As we await this future, we must continue to observe the laws surrounding Har HaBayit. This observance is not just about restrictions; it is about honoring our traditions and maintaining our spiritual integrity.


Conclusion

In conclusion, ascending Har HaBayit is forbidden in our times due to the lack of ritual purity and the sanctity of the site. We must respect these laws and continue to pray from the Kotel. Our prayers keep alive the hope for the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash.


Let us remember the importance of ritual purity and the role of prayer in our lives. By doing so, we honor our past and look forward to a future filled with spiritual fulfillment.


Sources:

[1]. Magen Avraham 561:2; Rambam Bet Habechira 6:14-16; See also Yabia Omer, vol. 5, Y.D. §26 and Chazon Ovadia, Arba Taaniyot, p. 454, which state that one may not even fly over Har HaBayit in an airplane. See also Teshuvot HaRishon LeTzion, vol. 1, O.C. §13.


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