Embark on a thought-provoking journey with Rabbi Bernath in this episode "Jerusalem in the Koran," where the enigmatic absence of Jerusalem from the Koran's text sparks a historical and spiritual exploration. Dive deep into the Ummayyad Dynasty's strategic elevation of Jerusalem to a holy city to rival Mecca, leveraging the tale of Muhammad's celestial ascension from the newly christened Masjid Al-Aksa. This maneuver intertwines with the Jewish narrative of prophets transcending earthly bounds, exemplified by Elijah's fiery ascent, highlighting the universal quest for divine closeness.Rabbi Bernath navigates these tales with a blend of historical insight and spiritual wisdom, questioning the true zenith of spiritual achievement. While figures like Moses and the Baal Shem Tov embrace their earthly departures, the podcast contemplates the essence of divine presence on Earth. Through the lens of Judaism, where the divine is drawn down to dwell among us, Rabbi Bernath redefines the spiritual goal not as ascending to heaven, but as sanctifying the earthly realm.The construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) becomes a focal point, challenging the notion of confining the Infinite into a physical space, and instead proposing it as a bridge connecting the divine and the mundane. This concept is further explored through the mission of drawing the Shechina (Divine Presence) into our world, emphasizing Judaism's unique perspective on the ultimate spiritual quest."Jerusalem in the Koran" isn't just a historical recounting; it's an invitation to reflect on our place within the cosmos, the role of sacred spaces, and the pursuit of a life filled with divine purpose. Rabbi Bernath, with his characteristic wit and insight, encourages listeners to recognize the divine party host among us, urging us to live in a manner that acknowledges and celebrates the sacredness of our world and our actions within it.Donate Here | https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=36Donate Here in US dollars https://ndg.chabadsuite.net/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=15Montreal friends join us this Sunday for some comedy for Israel https://jlive.app/events/6883Upcoming Event in Edison, NJ https://edison-highland-park-singles-event.square.site/Lots of events coming up. Check them out at www.theloverabbi.comDownload this little book and pray. These are prayers Jews have said for centuries in times of distress: https://jewishndg.com/media/pdf/1248/PQoG12484159.pdfSupport the show