A common question often raised through emails or at conferences is this: “Is everything ready for the next temple in Israel?” Many assume that the red heifer has been secured, priestly garments have been made, vessels are prepared, and even that the Sanhedrin and a new high priest have already been established.
The reality is very different. Most of these claims circulating online are false. In this article, we will examine what Judaism in Israel actually teaches and why much of the popular speculation is not based on biblical or factual truth.
Waiting for Elijah, Not the Temple Institute
Orthodox Judaism — the dominant form of Judaism in Israel — is not actively preparing the temple today. Instead, they are waiting for Elijah to return, as foretold in the prophecy of Malachi 4:4–6. Elijah, they believe, will come before the Messiah and “set things in order.”
According to this view, only Elijah will provide the necessary information for rebuilding the temple, preparing vessels, and establishing the priesthood. Until then, there is no official rabbinical or governmental effort being made toward a third temple.
The Temple Institute: Private, Not Official
One of the organizations often mentioned in this discussion is the Temple Institute. While well-known on the internet, it is important to understand that the Temple Institute is a private group with no official recognition by the Israeli government or rabbinical authorities.
Their main activity is fundraising, primarily targeting Christians. Although some of their teachings may be educational, they do not represent an authoritative body responsible for preparing for the next temple. Contrary to popular claims, they are not manufacturing thousands of priestly garments or sacred vessels.
The Myth of the “Reestablished Sanhedrin”
Another frequently repeated claim is that the Sanhedrin has been reestablished in Israel. This is also false. What exists is a group of individuals who call themselves the Sanhedrin but keep their membership secret. They have no official authority, no governmental recognition, and no real influence in Israel today.
Simply put: there is no Sanhedrin currently functioning in any legitimate capacity.
Why the Internet Gets It Wrong
The excitement about a red heifer, new priestly garments, or vessels already prepared for the third temple thrives mostly on YouTube videos and internet articles. These sources are often designed to generate clicks — and therefore money — rather than to provide truthful information.
The goal of much of this content is not to edify believers, but to attract attention through sensationalism. This creates confusion among Christians, giving the false impression that Israel is on the verge of rebuilding the temple when, in reality, no such preparations are being made.
What Judaism Is Actually Doing
The true stance of Orthodox Judaism is not one of frantic preparation but of waiting. They await Elijah’s return to clarify where exactly the temple should stand on the Temple Mount, how vessels should be made, and how the priesthood should function.
Until then, no official progress is being made. The hysteria about a third temple is not present in Israel itself — it lives almost entirely on the internet.
Conclusion: Be Discerning
The Bible calls us to “study to show ourselves approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). That means grounding our beliefs in Scripture rather than sensational videos or speculative claims.
Here are the key takeaways:
- There is no official Sanhedrin in Israel today.
- The Temple Institute is private, not governmental or rabbinical.
- No garments, vessels, or red heifer preparations are being made under recognized authority.
- Orthodox Judaism teaches to wait for Elijah, who will set things in order.
As believers, we must be cautious not to be misled by internet hype. Instead, we are called to discernment, truth, and reliance on the Word of God.
Discover more teachings on our channel: