בס”ד


In the Torah portion of Vayishlach, there is a key verse: “Until I come to my lord, to Seir” (Genesis 33:14). This verse describes the prophetic initiation of the Messianic Era and the ultimate rectification of the world’s spiritual forces. Conquering the mount of Esau (Obadiah 1:21) means that there will be no evil in the creation, the Third Holy Temple will be built and the world will become a place where divinity is revealed.

The question is, what is the role of Noahides in all this? Can Bnei Noah take part in building Jerusalem and the Holy Temple? In the Book of Kings, Part 1, Chapter 9, it is stated that Hiram King of Tyre gave Solomon materials for the construction of the first Temple. But King Solomon paid Hiram in various ways for the materials for the construction of the Holy Temple, so it was a barter transaction and not a gift from a non-Jew for the construction of the Temple. Cyrus gave permission to build the Second Temple as a fulfillment of G-d’s will. He ordered the sacred vessels of the First Temple to be returned to the Jews. But he did not finance or donate materials for this purpose.

Maimonides says (Rambam, Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 8:8), regarding contributions for the Holy Temple from an idolater that: “We do not accept donations from an idolater at the outset for the maintenance of the Temple.” The concern is that when an idolater gives something for the Temple, their intention may not be for the sake of Heaven but rather for the sake of idolatry. Therefore, such donations were not accepted when the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem.

Regarding the future, a Noahide, however, is definitely not in the category of an idolater and is not suspected of giving a donation for the sake of idol worship. Hence, the Halachic concern is removed. Therefore, there is a room to suggest that it might be permissible in the future to accept donations from Bnei Noach for the Holy Temple, as their intent is certainly considered for the sake of Heaven. The prophecy in Isaiah (60:10): “And the sons of the stranger shall build up your walls” explicitly says that the nations will help to build the walls of Jerusalem. The prophecy assigns an active and constructive role to the nations of the world. Instead of the nations being the force of destruction and exile, they become the building force.

Obadiah, the prophet describes the final phase of redemption: “Saviors shall ascend Mount Zion to judge Mount Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (Obadiah 1:21). This verse assures that Jacob finally fulfills his mission, through the establishment of Divine Order and the abolition of the evil forces represented by Mount Esau. This transformation will have great influence on the entire world as the infinite light of Hashem will be revealed and the entire world will be united to serve and know Hashem.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

Source: Malbim, Even Ezra and Radak on Isaiah 60:10. Genesis 33:14. Rambam, Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 8:8. Book of Kings, Part 1, Chapter 9.



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