The Temple Institute says more than two decades of work to raise a biblically qualified red heifer have yet to yield a suitable candidate, despite efforts in both Israel and the United States, including animals flown in from Texas.
In a Facebook post titled “3 Week Diary: Work of the Temple Institute – The Red Heifer,” the organization confirmed that “all our efforts so far have been frustrated by the appearance of more than one non-red hair on all our potential candidates.” This includes every red heifer that made the trip from Texas to Israel, all of which have been disqualified under the strict halachic rules.
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The institute said it has “forged deep connections with cattle growers in the United States, both professionally and personally” and worked with breeders in Israel, but the requirements leave no margin for error. Even a few hairs of another color make the animal ineligible for use in producing the ashes required for Temple purification rites.
Attaining a viable red heifer is only the first step. “Once a viable red heifer has been achieved it needs to be slaughtered and burned into ashes,” the post noted, adding that the process involves creating a fire hot enough to reduce the animal completely to ash, selecting ritually pure priests who have never been inside a hospital or cemetery, and performing the ceremony on the Mount of Olives.
The Temple Institute recently conducted “a groundbreaking test run” using a disqualified heifer to prepare for the eventual ceremony with a kosher animal. All other required materials, including pure water from the Shiloach spring, cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool, are said to be readily available.
The institute emphasized that producing the ashes would be “a major and indisputable step forward toward building the Mikdash and renewing the offerings,” but acknowledged opposition from both outside and within Israel.
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It also addressed frustration among supporters over the lack of progress, noting, “No doubt if the Temple Institute enjoyed a much larger budget we could expand our efforts and potentially acquire a red heifer sooner, rather than later. But… we must also maintain the faith and trust that a suitable red heifer will be found when G-d sees fit.”
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
I’m shocked to hear that. I thought that time has come for building the temple and offer sacrifices as it was long ago. I’m disappointed by this report. Very sad news.
You are sad because you’re looking forward to the old way of sacrificing ?
This prophecy..(the 3rd temple build).. is only being fulfilled because the Messiah when He came 2000 yrs ago..was rejected; therefore His Kingdom was not established then on earth.
However..it all turned for a blessing to us Gentiles that through His death, the gospel of Salvation by grace THROUGH faith..(like Abraham had)..would come to us through Paul’s revelation from on high! So..both Jew & Gentile could be knit into one Body of Christ on earth-the New Covenant church.
I’m happy in this: the Rapture of the church (as per 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18) may not be happening as soon as many have thought so God is still allowing time for the last of the Gentiles to come into the Body. .and of course any Jew who turns to Messiah now. But it seems as though His appearing is delayed & the church will have to go through some tough times..I think many who have not gone through harrowing times like the martyrs for the faith have, have looked as escaping now..plus those who are struggling in general with the times we live in.
Jesus will be appearing still but at a time we cannot predict! Then..the anti-Christ who will fool many of Gods chosen people to think he is the Messiah..he will rise up with ‘lying signs & wonders’! Then will sign a 7 yr peace treaty & give Temple build the go ahead. God will bring forth in His way the red heifer in His time. I agree with the last sentence of the article.
Turn to Christ now to be a part of His church on earth-the Body of Christ and make your life a living sacrifice now..your body a temple of the Holy Spirit. Its all in the whole word of God.
Is genetic engineering allowed?🧐😉🤫🤗