Herodian Mansions + Southern Wall Excavations

By Rosey Limmer,      10^th grade,      Chicago

a replica of the Temple menorah displayed in the Jewish quarter of the Old City

On Wednesday, we stood on the “most controversial real estate” in the whole world. Jerusalem, and more specifically the area around the Temple Mount, is an area of extreme significance and conflict for all three of the major monotheistic religions. Even thought for the most part all of the religious groups are able to find compromises, all we ever hear about in the news is the tension. While there always is underlying tension and unsettled disputes, for the most part everyone is usually able to coexist and bask in the holiness that is the Temple Mount (Har HaBayit).

looking at the "Broad Wall" from 701 BCE in the Jewish quarter of the Old City

While standing at the south wall, I was for the first time in my life able to understand and truly feel the power of prayer. Standing in the place where the whole world sends their hopes and dreams is a remarkable feeling that is unifying and helps to exemplify how small we are in the grandeur of the universe.

the Cardo, the street level from the Roman period in the Jewish quarter of the Old City

The Sadducees

            In the Herodian mansions, the ancient neighborhood of the Sadducees (cohenim/the Temple priests) we were able to not only reflect on the past but learn about our culture and history by walking through the houses of our people from two millennia ago. By observing the houses of the Sadducees we were able to see different aspects of their lives. For example, we were able to see the juxtaposition of their religious lives that centered around the Beit HaMikdash and their acculturated Roman lifestyle.

            When we visited the Herodian mansions, we were able to see the different aspects of Sadducee life based on the artifacts within their homes. The appearance of Mikveh, Jewish ritual baths, used to purify oneself, showed the specific Jewish aspects of their lives. Mikvaot are a big part of observant Jewish life, so the cohenim houses have mikvaot because they must constantly be in a state of purity in order to enter the Beit HaMikdash. However, there were also artifacts that showed us ways in which the Sadducees acculturated to upper class Roman lifestyle. For example, colored mosaics and frescos can be found in their house. Not only did the material for these decorations have to come from abroad but they also had to be installed by professional artisans. In addition, each different color of mosaic had to come from a different location. While the Sadducees were both Roman and Jewish, they were more Roman in their appearance and behavior while being more Jewish in their actions and work.

here's our teacher David standing in an ancient mikveh next to the Temple Mount

Beit HaMikdash

            On the three festivals, Sukkot, Pesach and Shavuot, it was customary for Jews to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. These pilgrims were known as oleh regel. When they would travel to Jerusalem, they would undergo multiple traditions before walking up the footsteps to the Temple Mount. This showed us the importance and centrality of the Temple to the Jewish people. We not only learned about the importance of the Temple Mount, but felt it for ourselves and we sat and sang Shir HaMaalot (Pslam 126) on the footsteps before making aliyah ourselves by walking up the steps to the southern wall of the Temple Mount.

            A lot of social events also happened at the street level before ascending to the Temple. This showed us how the Temple was also the center of trade and life for the Jewish people. We also learned about the different patterns of who would walk up which steps to the Temple Mount. The general public had one set of steps. The cohenim had their entrance at Robinson’s arch in the southeast corner. The steps at the Southern wall were the exit for the general public but an entrance for a select few. Those who were outcasts or in mourning would walk up the Southern steps so everyone would know to welcome and help them help reintegrate into society.

ancient clay vessels and furniture at the Herodian mansions museum

The Destruction of the Second Temple

            The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, is considered the central event in Jewish history. I think the destruction of the Second Temple marks the new era of rabbinic Judaism. The destruction of the Second Temple not only destroyed the center of Jewish life, but destroyed multiple sects of Judaism. After this destruction, the proactivity of the rabbis, and their ability to lead, study and worship without the Temple lead to their success as a peoplehood. This is the central event in Jewish History because as a peoplehood we have been waiting for the messiah to come in order to build the Third Temple. This shows us how central the Temple is to our religion and how the destruction of it cause for our entire religion to change. It marks the shift from biblical Judaism to modern Judaism.

an ancient mikveh at the Herodian mansions museum