A L E X A N D E R B L A I R
Dedication to God ’ s Purposes and Glory
Entrance to the Temple Mount is heavily regulated for both Jewish and international visitors . There are eight entrances for local Muslims and one entrance provided for everyone else . You begin by entering through a small covered hallway to the right of the southern entrance in Rabinovich Square . A sign declares the Temple Mount off-limits to Jews by rabbinic authority , emphasizing its sacred and contested nature . From here , you proceed past lockers to store all excess belongings , including any religious material , before ascending stairs to a security checkpoint where you pass through a metal detector and place personal items into a scanning machine .
Beyond this guard shack lies the front end of the wooden ramp that ascends to the Mount itself . As you climb , you come near the southwestern corner and close to the Al-Aqsa Mosque . Upon entering , remnants of ancient columns attributed to Herod ’ s era capture your attention . These columns , described in historical records as grand and imposing , once supported the Temple ’ s elaborate structure . Some traditions suggest their immense size could allow three individuals to encircle them with outstretched arms .
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