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Tarbut: Jewish Identity and Contemporary Israeli Culture

Exile, Diaspora, Homeland? | Resources

Praying towards the East

One should direct one’s heart in prayer toward the Holy of Holies.

Toward which Holy of Holies?

Rabbi Hiyya said: Toward the heavenly Holy of Holies.

Rabbi Shimon ben Halafta said: Toward the earthly Holy of Holies [i.e., the innermost part of the Temple in Jerusalem].

Rabbi Pinhas said: There is no disagreement here. The earthy Holy of Holies is directly opposite the heavenly one.