The Gate of Heaven

Heavenly Jerusalem

Yochanan looked up and could see a narrow hole in the thick clouds from which the light came down to earth. He remembered what Jacob had said when he awoke from his dream,
"Indeed, Hashem is in this place, and I did not know"... "How awesome is this place! This is no other than the House of G-d, and this is the gate of heaven." Bereshit28:16, 17
For Yochanan the beam of sunlight from Heaven to earth was Hashem's way of alluding to the ladder in Jacob's dream which had angels going up and down on it. Jacob named the place Bet El (House of G-d). Some commentators equate this place with Mount Moriah which is where the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is located. However, this is Bet El, a town formally named Luz. It is located in the Benyamin hill region due north of Jerusalem about 20 kilometers. Jacob had a encounter with Mount Moriah in his dream. Jacob knew the actual location of the place of the Holy Mountain in Jerusalem. When Jacob awoke from his sleep after having his dream, he realized he was in a holy place, in a location of the unfamiliar territory of Luz and this made him afraid.
"And he was frightened and said, "How awesome is this place!"
Beresheet 28:17

So where is Luz?

"And the lot of the tribe of the children of Binyamin came up according to their families; and the border of their lot went out between the children of Juda and the children of Joseph, and the border went over from there to Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Beth-el, southward; and

the border descended to 'Atrot-Adar, on the hill that lies on the South side of lower Beit-Horon." Joshua 18:12,13

When Jacob awoke Me'am Lo'ez says that Jacob was terrified because he was in the presence of twin sanctity. First there was the sanctity of Mount Moriah, and also the sanctity of Beit El formally called Luz which he called the Gate of Heaven.

One may say he was at Mount Moriah in His dream and was connected to that Heavenly Place while in Beit El. It is true that there is a Heavenly Jerusalem and Mountain of Hashem's House is there, the Place of Hashem. It is known that one day when the world has been perfected, the Heavenly Jerusalem and Temple will descend upon the earthly Jerusalem and the two will become united like one.

"A song of ascents by David, I rejoiced when they said to me, 'let us go to the House of Hashem.' Our feet stood firm within your gates, O Jerusalem. The built-up Jerusalem is like a city that is united together." Tehillim 122: 1-3

Two Holy Houses

It was back in the desert wilderness when the Children of Israel were building the Tabernacle (Mishkan) that scriptures begin to hint at the two Holy Houses of G-d, one above, one below.

"These are the accountings of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of the Testimony, which were counted at Moses' command..." Sh'mot 38:21

אלה פקודי המשכן משכן העדת אשר פקד על פי משה...

As one can see that in the Hebrew, the word Mishkan משכן is repeated twice. Regarded this R'Bachya says, "The double mention alludes to the two Mishkans, for the Mishkan on earth was a parallel to the Mishkan in Heaven."

Emanating Awesome Light

The Jerusalem on earth is a diminished reflection of that perfect Holy Place in Shamayim (Heaven). The Jerusalem above is a place of emanating awesome light. No darkness is there. Hashem has been known to cover himself in a cloud of darkness to spare people of the awesome Holy radiating light from above. When Jacob fell asleep a portal was there directly into the Heavenly Jerusalem, the place of light. There is no time and space in the heavens as we know it. Therefore, the heavenly Mount Moriah was there with him, and Jacob could readily sense that he was at the House of Hashem. Because he was! As it is written,

"And behold, Hashem was standing over him..." Beresheet 28: 13

So, Jacob was in one sense at the House of G-d being directly connected to the House of G-d in the Heavenly Jerusalem. Some have said there is a connection between Jacob's ladder to heaven and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

It was at Mount Sinai that Moses encountered the angels from Heaven and there he encountered G-d at that place and there the light of Hashem was hidden to the people in a dark cloud and there Moses received the Light of Torah and G-d spoke.

It is known that the Torah of Hashem comes from Jerusalem.

"For from Zion will the Torah come forth and the word of Hashem from Jerusalem." Isaiah 2: 3

Therefore, Moses was at the Holy Place while on the top of Mount Sinai! From Jerusalem above he received the Torah.

The Abode of Hashem

A portal from the Heavenly Jerusalem had opened up right over Mount Sinai. Moses had now encountered that Holy Place, the abode

of Hashem. He was at Mount Moriah on Mount Sinai. Moses received the Torah on Mount Sinai, at this place was the Portal of Holiness, the Gate of Access by which the Torah could be gifted. G-d descended upon the mountain of Sinai. Again... where is the Heavenly Jerusalem? It's located above the earthly Jerusalem and the Temple above over the Temple Mount below.

Hashem's Portion

The Temple Mount of the Earth is the property of the House of David, but everything belongs to Hashem. David purchased this land, assembled materials and set forth the draft plan as received by Hashem for the construction of the Temple. To build a House for Hashem was the idea of King David! These materials and the building of it, he passed to his son Solomon. So, this was Hashem's will.

Hashem says,

"...for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people"

Yeshayahu 56:7

The House of G-d in Jerusalem is to be a place where all peoples of the nations of the world can come to seek G-d in prayer!

We learn from the very first letter of the Torah, that G-d created this world for a dwelling for His presence.

"In the beginning of G-d's creation of the heavens and the earth"

בראשית ברא אלקים את השמים ואת הארץ Beresheet 1:1

The very first letter in the Torah is "ב" It is the letter Bet. The word Bet in Hebrew also means house. Hashem in His Holy thoughts desired to have a House for His Name to dwell here on earth.

"You shall bring them and plant them on the mount of Your heritage, directed toward Your habitation, which You made, Hashem; the sanctuary, Lord, your hands founded" Sh'mot 15:17

"And they shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst"
Sh'moth 25:8

Indeed, the plans for the Mishkan and then the House of Hashem in Jerusalem where plan designs that came from the mind of Hashem. For it was in His thoughts from the beginning to build a House for His Name in Jerusalem where His throne would be! The first word in the Torah is בראשית "In "ב" The Beginning" and the last word in the Torah ישראל "Israel". So together it is בראשית ישראל "In the Beginning Israel". The Torah of Hashem goes forth from Jerusalem!

Just as G-d created the Heavens and the Earth he created a heavenly House and a House for Him on earth was to be created by man. Two Houses. The letter Bet is one letter "ב" with the numerical value of two in Hebrew. The one House in Heaven would become one with the House on Earth. The Two will become One! The Last two letters of the Torah are "אל" (El) meaning G-d. ב-אל Bet El, House of G-d.

"One thing I will ask of Hashem, that I seek, that I may dwell in the House of Hashem all the days of my life..." Tehilim 27:4

Presence of Hashem

In the time to come when the land is divided once again, there will be a Terumah Portion of land from the Mediterranean Sea in the west extending eastward. In it is the Holy Place and in the south is the Holy City. This special land is Hekdesh to Hashem. The Holy Place is for the glorious, desirous, beautiful Presence of Hashem, creator of the universe. Nearby will be a habitation for the servants of Hashem; these are the Levi'im the teachers of the Torah who were given a covenant of peace. They are crowned by their Cohanim the children of Aaron and led by the sons of Tzadok, children of Aaron.

"My covenant was with him (Levi), life and peace... True teaching was in his mouth, and injustice was not found on his lips. In peace and equity, he went with Me, and he brought back many from iniquity for a

Cohen's lips shall guard knowledge, and teaching should be sought from his mouth, for he is a messenger of Hashem Tzva'ot." Malachi 2:6,7

The Levi'im and Cohanim have been commissioned to learn and teach the ways of Hashem to their peoples.

Here in Hashem's portion is also a portion for the Prince of the Nation of the House of David on the west side and the east side in this Terumah Portion and the Cohanim are on the north district of the Terumah portion and south of them is the Levi'im. The portion of the tribe of Judah will be on the north side of the Holy Terumah portion near the Cohanim and the Holy Place. North of Juda is the portion for Reuven. The one who demonstrated love for his mother at a young age, lifting her heart by giving her flowers. Reuven was the firstborn of Jacob was the son of Leah, the beautiful neshamah. Her devotion and prayers were of such heart and intensity she shaped the spawning and the look of the family of Jacob. Reuven her firstborn son tried to save Yoseph, therefore Joseph's sons are next to him, Ephraim then Menasseh. Judah is now on the side of the north which demonstrates that he and Ephraim are unified like brothers as they should be and not adversaries. It was the leaders of Judah and Ephraim who in unity stood strong and brought back a good report of the land to Moses and the people. Brother Reuven the good sensitive passionate is between them. Now Judah and Ephraim will be like close brothers as they truly are.

Beloved Binyamin son of beautiful Rachel, Jacob's wife and heart will have the portion put to the south side next to the Terumah portion because of Nov. He will be near the Holy City. Binyamin was not part of the sale of Joseph and the only one of his brothers born west of the Jordan River. He was born on the land south of Jerusalem were also his mother was laid to rest. Benyamin brought the first king of Israel and the glorious Divine Presence rested in his territory. He and

Juda have an eternal bond and a close connection to Hashem's portion, for Judah was willing to give his life for Benyamin. Also, there was a covenant of kindness that was made between the house of Jonathan son of King Saul of the Tribe of Binyamin and the House of David. There was none like the righteous Jonathan and he was a mighty man of valor before Hashem.

Jonathan was willing to give to David the throne of the Kingdom which he would inherit from his father. The Spirit of Hashem was in him. He was the true friend of David, truly caring for the soul of David.

"And you shall not discontinue your kindness from my household forever.... And Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David.... 'May Hashem be between me and you, and between my descendants forever.'" 1 Shmuel 20:15,16,42

Genuine Heartfelt Love

There was such genuine heartfelt love that weaved Jonathan and David's hearts together like beloved brothers, they became like one. Therefore, Hashem has placed His sanctuary between them and their tribes forever. From their committed friendship we learn how all must be toward one another. Therefore, Hashem found it pleasurable to place His House between Judah and Benyamin.

Next to Binyamin is a portion for Shimon. Shimon was put in prison on account of Binyamin. Now they are close brothers. Being close to Binyamin is good for Shimon and Shimon is worthy of his portion. Dan the son of faithful dear Bilhah is to the far north. Bilhah was precious to Jacob because she raised Binyamin from birth and was a comfort to young nine-year-old Joseph when his mother died. Goodly Zilpah and strength to Leah gave birth to Gad. His tribe is to the far south. Gad and Dan were first born of their mothers. They stand as two strong mighty guardians of the Holy Land. Next to Dan are two shining sons, Asher the brother of Gad and then Naphtali the brother

of Dan. Next to Gad is Zevulon then Issachar. These two special chosen ones are children of Leah. Leah is the mother of Dinah is the desirous, presence in Jacob's house. The men of the entire city of Sh'chem were destroyed on her account when she was taken captive and defiled. Like the devastating judgment that fell upon the Philistines when they took captive the Ark of the Covenant. It is written that their ascended to heaven.

"the hand of G-d was very heavy there. And the people who did not die, were smitten... and the cry of the city ascended to heaven" 1-Shmuel 4:11,12

Hashem Sends Blessings

The prayers and avoda offered at the earthly Temple ascend straight up to the Holy Place of Hashem's presence in the Temple in Shamayim. From there Hashem sends blessings to the world. It is a channel of Communications, Light, Love, Kindness, Mercy, Blessing and Justice to be brought into this world. This is the place Avraham was told to go to offer his son Isaac.

"Please take your son, your only one, whom you love, Isaac and go away to the land of Moriah and bring him up there for an offering on one of the mountains, of which I will tell you." Beresheet 22:3

There is a constant open connection straight down to Mount Moriah. The strongest connection between heaven and earth is at this location in Jerusalem. However, known for shore that G-d can open up a connection in Beit El, Mount Sinai and even by the rivers of Babylon.

You Have Listened to My Voice

So, it was when our father Avraham and Isaac were up on Mount Moriah, Avraham encountered an angel of G-d who spoke to him from heaven to earth.

"The angel of Hashem called to Avraham a second time from Heaven. And He said, 'By Myself I swear - the word of Hashem, that because

you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, you only one, that I shall surely bless you and greatly increase your offspring like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore; and your offspring shall inherit the gate of its enemy, and all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your offspring, because you have listened to My voice." Beresheet 22:16-18

Humans cannot give forth human sacrifices. This was a test; however, it is Jewish believe that a righteous Jewish person's death can atone for the sins of people.

"Just as Yom Kippur brings atonement, so the death of the righteous brings atonement" Yerushalmi Yoma 1:1.

Because of this action of Avraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah, Sarah passed away. Upon their returning it was discovered that Sarah had died. Sarah knew what was taking place to her son. One may even say that Sarah lost her life and gave it up in place of her beloved son Isaac. Her neshama was one with him. Afterwards Isaac could not be comforted from the loss of his mother. However, through her death, life came to Isaac. While she lived, there could not be any room for another woman in his life because she possessed him by her love for him. Now she was gone, he needed to carry on the Hebrew mission. After her death a wife was brought to Isaac whom he loved much. This brought to him a new life because he was comforted from having lost his mother. Now beautiful Rebecca moved into Sarah's tent and became the next new matriarch of the children of Israel for she became the mother of Jacob who is called Israel.

Great Chessed

This great chessed is mysterious and descends from above. In the case of this obedient holy unblemished one, he was designated by G-d. However, the life of Isaac was not terminated. Once sanctified he remained Holy to G-d all his life and he could never leave the land of Israel. The diminishing of his eyesight helped shield him from the sites

in this world that could contaminate his soul and restricted was movement.

"And who can be compared to You O King, who brings death and restores life, and causes deliverance to spring forth." From the Amida Prayer

ומי דומה לך: מלך: ממית ומחיה ומצמיה ישוה:

Again, we learn of the mission of the Jew.

"I am Hashem... I will set you free for a covenant to the people, for a light to the nations" Yeshayahu 42:6

House of Hashem

King David said,

"I rejoiced when they said to me; let us go to the House of Hashem." Tehillim 122:1

However, the House was not yet built on earth, but the heavenly House was there to receive prayers and witness our acts of kindness... the desire of Hashem's heart. This way our neshamah becomes one with G-d.

Rabbi Yehushua Levi who lived during Temple times said,

"...But person whose thoughts are humble is considered as though he offered all of the sacrifices, as is written,

"The offerings of G-d are a broken spirit." Moreover, his prayer is not rejected, as it is written, "A heart that is broken and downtrodden; G-d, do not despise it." Tehillim 51:19

The lowly, poor, unaggressive, seemingly unsuccessful person you see here and there may be much closer to Hashem than you may think. Elevate your soul by making him an object of your kindness and you will be as great as a Torah scholar who shares his learned Torah knowledge. Acts of kindness are the truth of Torah.

The Temple Mount

When Yochanan Beit El and was about to turn off onto road 437 from Highway 1, he suddenly looked and saw beyond the hill of Ma'ale Adumin by just four kilometers west of it. Yochanan saw another beam of light through a narrow hole in the thick clouds and this was indeed directly over the Temple Mount. He looked at this beam of light and it was coming straight down. He then turned his head to the right and could see the other beam of light descending on an angle to Beit El. Afterwards the message became clear. The connection between the earthly Mount Moriah to the heavenly Mount Moriah was like the connection of the earthly Beit El to the heavenly Mount Moriah when Jacob had his dream.

So one may also likewise say, the connection of the earthly Mount Sinai to the heavenly Mount Moriah is similar. A portal had opened up at Mount Sinai. If one were to say how this could happen there since it is outside the land of Israel? Know for sure that indeed it is within the specified future borders of the land of Israel which will extend to the Nile River! Wherever Hashem wants to open a portal of connection He can and will do it. However, the one over Jerusalem of this world and the Jerusalem of Heaven remains constant. They are bound to each other like two opposites born at the same time and need to be united as one. The one above is like an adorned bride looking down at her husband waiting for that day when he is ready to receive her when they can become one. It is similar to a neshamah descending from above into an earthly body. It is natural. There is life!

"It will happen in the end days that; The Mountain of Hashem's House will be firmly established as the head of the Mountains and it will be exalted above the hills and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will go and say, 'Let us go up to the Mountain of Hashem, to the Temple of the G-d of Jacob, and he will teach us His ways and we will walk in His paths." Isaiah 2:2,3

When the Beautiful Heavenly Jerusalem descends from above, it is brought down and unites with the physical body of Jerusalem below.

The two become one. There is life!

And Hashem says, "I will put My Spirit within you..." Yechezkel 36:27

And we become one with Hashem!

Will the Mount of Hashem's House in Heaven descend upon the top of the Mount Moriah on earth? It is written:

"At that time, they will call Jerusalem the Trone of Hashem and all nations shall gather to it in the name of Hashem..." Yirmeyahu 3:17

Eastern Gate

Ezekiel the prophet had a vision while in Babylon. He had visions of the Shekinah of G-d leaving by the eastern gate. Later the Temple was destroyed. Like a bird sent away, the Holy Divine Presence left her resting place over her young. How could she observe the coming captivity and destruction of her children from under her? Her nest was made empty. Does anyone understand how she longs to have her little ones brought back under her wings?

An empty house becomes desolate. Twenty years later G-d showed Ezekiel a vision of a new Temple giving him many detailed specific instructions and measurements. This Temple is not here yet and in this vision the Shekinah of G-ds glorious presence was returning by that same gate. Hashem's desire is to dwell among the Children of Israel since the days in the wilderness when G-d spoke to Moses saying, "Build Me a sanctuary that I may dwell in them". The Holy Blessed One has waited for so long for the beloved ones to be ready for the return of the Almighty.

Formerly it was said by Hashem,

30

"Heaven is My Throne, The Earth is My footstool" Yeshayahu 66:1

I this new vision to Ezekiel, there was an angelic guide that was with him through the vision and stood next to him. The voice of G-d spoke,

"Son of man this is the place of My Throne, this is the place of my footstool where I dwell amid the Children of Israel forever." Yecheziel 43:7

In the vision, Jerusalem was now the place of Hashem's Throne!

Throne of Hashem
Everything has now changed. Jerusalem, Jerusalem is the city of Moshiach. The City is the Glory of Hashem. He will come upon you, and you will build up in adornment, beauty and honor. Your marriage is at hand, your House will be built and you will never again be desolate. Hashem's Divine Presence will dwell among women and men. The Throne of Hashem will now be in your mist.
"At that time Jerusalem will be called the Throne of Hashem"
and fromYirmeyahu 3:17
The Gemara asks: "And is there such a place as Jerusalem above? The answer: Yes, as it is written "Jerusalem built up, a city unified together" Tehillim 122 The term unified indicates that there are two cities of Jerusalem, a heavenly one and and earthly one, which are bound together.
Hashem is There!
"I will set my meetings with you; there I will speak with you from atop the cover from between the two Cherubim that are on the Ark of the Testimonial Tablets" Sh'mot 25:22

To the above pasuk Rashi says that when G-d spoke to Moses, the voice would come from Heaven to the top of the cover, and from between the Cherubim it would emanate to where Moses stood, in the outer chamber of the Mishkan.

One might say if the voice comes from Heaven... Where in Heaven? From the heavenly Jerusalem where the throne of G-d is. Hashem is there! Therefore, there are no limitations to the stream of communication given to holy ones. In a united Jerusalem it will be said "Hashem is there"... which is here! This level of communication is not found in any other nation as this. However, on a lessor level, G-d communicates to whomever He chooses, both to great people and to those considered insignificant as a parent who loves all their children no matter how different they may be and in any place they may live. The day is now coming when every person will be a mishkan for a dwelling of the Spirit of Hashem and G-d will communicate with everyone. However, Jerusalem is the Holy City, Eternally Hekdesh to Hashem, the greatest place of sanctity in the universe! It is the center of the universe. G-d made the stars to shine upon the earth because Jerusalem on the earth is the glory of the entire universe.

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