We are in the Hebrew month of Av, and today is the 9th of Av, Tisha B'Av.
It is a sad day of fasting and remembering the destruction of the First and the Second Temples and other calamities that befell the Jewish people throughout history on this day.
When the Roman legions attacked, Josephus writes that it was the rivers of blood flowing down the city's streets that extinguished the fires burning Jerusalem.
To celebrate their triumph over the Jews in 70 CE, the Romans erected a monumental arch at the Forum in Rome.
One of its reliefs depicts soldiers carrying off sacred objects from the Temple.
. . . Where is the gold menorah now?
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See about the religious observance of Tisha B'Av in my earlier posts.
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The two photos above are from the Tower of David Museum.
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May we know no more destruction.
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(Linking to ABC Wednesday.)
Some says that the Menorah is still buried somewhere under the Temple Mount. No way to prove this peacefully though...
ReplyDeleteVP, so better if the vessels are in the Vatican, maybe. No?
ReplyDeleteHow sad to think there would be that much blood flowing down the streets.
ReplyDeleteIt is so great that you can look so far back into your history. I APPRECIATE that you share it with us.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
abcw team
Yes, the destruction of the 2nd temple seems to be related to the eventual growth of Christianity as the Jews became more of a diaspora.
ReplyDeleteThe vessels would undoubtedly be safer in the Vatican, but if that's where they are--why weren't they returned to the Jewish people at least after the founding of the state of Israel? Is it because the RCC would then have to admit it's been hanging on to stolen property all these years? You would think the Church could at least let us know whether these treasures are stashed away in the Vatican basement or not, and if not--what became of them.
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt
ReplyDeleteA. M. E. N.
The history of the temples and before that the tabernacle, is one of the most fascinating studies. I have read Josephus's description of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. It is horrifying, but sadly the world does not change. If the menorah were to be found, sadly there is no temple to put in.
ReplyDeleteIt is a tragedy that religion...which is supposed to guide people to do good and to soothe our souls...has been the basis for so much warfare throughout the ages...
ReplyDeleteChrisJ, well, I for one do not wish to see another Temple built.
ReplyDeleteThis is so horribly sad. I do believe we saw that arch when we were at the Forum! However, we didn't truly understand the awful history behind it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you: no more destruction!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a peaceful week and beautiful weather. We have had already four days of sunshine.
Shalom, Dina!
Wil.
You are always so informative. I don't visit often enough these days.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to read about the blood flowing..
ReplyDeleteLets pray for no more destructions!
Your blog is such a lesson for all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous piece of art!
ReplyDelete"May we know no more destruction."
ReplyDeleteAmen.
As much as I hate the idea of soldiers carrying off sacred objects from the Temple, we have to admit that the arch reliefs at the Forum in Rome are superbly done.
ReplyDeleteMay we know no more destruction - Amen to that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a bit of history. I so enjoyed that.
Dropping by from the ABC linkup http://suzysomedaysomewhere.blogspot.co.nz/
I read a novel that proposed that the Menorah was indeed at the Vatican but that the Vatican wouldn't admit it and give it back. God only knows what they got stored in those back rooms.
ReplyDelete