The Commentary Magazine Podcast Praying in Jerusalem and Minneapolis
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Jan 30, 2026 Discussion of a landmark change allowing Jewish prayer access to the Temple Mount and what it means for history, archaeology, and politics. A separate segment examines the legal and free‑speech questions around a high-profile disruption at a Minneapolis church. Conversation also touches on protest tactics, possible motives behind public disruptions, and implications for accountability.
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Dayan's 1967 Handshake Shaped Decades
- Moshe Dayan's 1967 decision to let the Waqf control the Temple Mount created a status quo forbidding Jewish prayer that lasted decades.
- Changing that rule now—allowing printed prayer materials—is a significant reversal with deep political and cultural implications.
Personal Visit Showed Serene Prayer Space
- Seth Mandel described his personal visit where Israeli security led Jews to a designated spot to pray calmly on the Temple Mount.
- He said the space is huge and serene, making previous prohibitions against Jewish prayer feel absurd.
Printed Texts Open The Mount To More Jews
- Allowing printed prayer materials democratizes access so non-Orthodox Israelis can meaningfully pray on the Temple Mount.
- This change broadens the site's religious significance beyond a previously Orthodox-dominated practice.