Who cares about the Beis Hamikdosh???

Rabbi Maroof has a long post explaining to a (presumably) Skeptic Jew why we still observe Tisha BeAv, even though he sees 'the Destruction of our Temples as a positive step in the evolution of Jewish religious practice, moving us to a religion that “relies more on builders than on buildings”.

Unfortunately, RJM falls into the trap of confusing the mythical Chazal version of history with real, actual history. RJM writes:

"The Temple was a symbol of Jewish national unity and the abiding relationship between Israel and the Creator of the Universe. It was a reflection of the fact that, while we may disagree on many things, we share a fundamental set of values and priorities that inspire and guide us all. "

Hardly. The Temple was the scene of intense fights between the Tzedukim and the various Priestly clans. Not much unity there! RJM goes on to say:

"It was a place that all the nations of the world would visit for instruction and education on matters of intellectual, moral and ethical import."

What a load of bollocks! Is there any such event recorded anywhere, in any historical document, apart from fanciful medrashim? (If there is, I will eat humble pie.)

"Nowadays, our people is quite literally lost. We no longer have great Sages to provide us with an understanding of our Torah that is decisive and compelling"

Hmmm, bashing the Gedolim on Erev TishaBeAv?

The need for a Temple is as real today as it ever was. One day, we firmly believe that it will once again stand as a symbol of the transcendent goal toward which all of humanity should be striving and as a witness to the pettiness and frivolity of materialistic pursuits. It will assign prominence to men and women of true knowledge and fine character rather than to sports figures and influence peddlers

What a load of nonsense. The Temple was never about prominence to 'men and women of true knowledge and fine character', it was about prominence of the priestly clan. In fact the medrash itself says that Cohanim were rather fiery, short tempered characters.

I hope that this Tisha B’av is a meaningful one for all, and that it is the first step toward the redemption of a world that surely needs it.

Eh. This letter was totally uninspiring. Here's some advice for RJM and other would be Modern Orthodox apologists - FORGET ABOUT THE F*%&%*& TEMPLE already!!!!!

NOBODY (normal) cares about or wants a 'Temple' (of the sacrificial kind). If you must indulge in Tisha BeAv apologetics, make it about the Shoah. You'll do much better with that.