When Will the Third Temple Be Rebuilt?

The Amida lays out the order — and Aliya then renewing the Sanhedrin, not construction, comes first.

Q. When will the 3rd Temple be rebuilt in Jerusalem?

We can’t prophesize, but halachically and practically: according to the Rambam, we’re commanded to build the Temple at all times. It’s worthy to mention the Sefer Hachinuch who holds that this mitzvah applies only when the majority of Jews are living in the Land of Israel, which statistically all agree will be within 6 years (2032/תשצ”ב)! Either way, it’s clear that we should be preparing the vessels and architectural plans, but most importantly, educationally and politically preparing the groundwork to “want” the Beit MaMikdash. Despite the obligation to try as much as we can, the Talmud (Megilla 17a) informs us that the stages of redemption are as listed in the Shmoneh Esreh prayer (which in fact, our generation can testify, is totally accurate!) from the 9th blessing on: revival of the deserted Land of Israel, then mass aliya, then reviving the Sanhedrin, then rebuilding the Beit HaMikdash, and finally the coming of Mashiach Ben David. In other words, we should be working, at least as much on making Aliya, renewing the Sanhedrin, i.e. convincing people to want (not through force!) to run the State according to Torah ideals, because that’s going to come first. Interestingly, for the past 3 years, most children entering first grade in Israel, have been enrolled in religious education, and apparently that’s the way it’s going to be from now on. You don’t have to “look for signs”- just read the newspaper. Redemption is no longer wishful thinking, but it’s taking place. The pace is up to us and G-d. Nevertheless, regarding the Beit HaMikdash, it’s a little more complex, for as opposed to the aforementioned first stages which are national/Jewish events, the Temple is universal for all mankind, “for My house is a house of prayer for all the nations” (Isaiah 56, 7). Today there are already many Christians who understand the return of Israel to Jerusalem is historically significant and fulfills the ancient prophecies. On the other hand, it seems that the Moslems have a long way to go, but if the peaceful ones will begin to share their voice, then Jerusalem can be not only the Jewish national capitol, but the universal spiritual capitol, sooner than we realize. Perhaps the “Abraham Accords” may be a significant step, to what is inevitable. Just as the first stages have come true, we have no reason to doubt that the Temple will come as well.