Meeting summary for Tanach 407 with Rabbi Baruch Simcha (06/08/2025) Quick recap The meeting focused on a study session of the Book of Haggai, exploring its themes and lessons for Noahides regarding the importance of spiritual priorities and the rebuilding of the Temple. Baruch and other speakers discussed the prophecy's relevance to current times, emphasizing the need for both physical and spiritual efforts in building the Beit Hamikdash and the significance of divine presence returning to the temple mount. The discussion also covered topics such as the spiritual meaning of hardship, the role of the crimson thread in Temple rituals, and the broader themes of divine mercy and human responsibility. Next steps All Noahides: Begin one small spiritual task today to help build the spiritual world and move closer to Hashem All Attendees: Continue studying and implementing lessons from the Book of Haggai regarding divine timing and not delaying spiritual responsibilities Noahides: Continue building spiritual temples in their own environments through prayers, Torah learning, and righteous actions All Attendees: Write down excuses used for spiritual delay and replace them with truth All Attendees: Set daily reminders that "Now is the time" for spiritual action All Attendees: Make space in homes for prayer/Torah study All Noahides: Support projects and teachings that honor Hashem globally All Attendees: Support leaders who uphold truth and righteousness Noahides: Share and spread the truth about the future Messianic era and Temple to combat misconceptions All Attendees: Share the vision of a united future under Hashem with others Jewish Community: Maintain the balance between those learning Torah in yeshivas and those serving in physical roles All Attendees: Journal spiritual lessons learned from difficult moments All Attendees: Start each day declaring "From this day He will bless me All Attendees: Practice daily acts of peacemaking between people and with Hashem Summary Haggai's Message for Noahides Baruch led a study session on the Book of Haggai, focusing on its themes and lessons for Noahides. He explained that Haggai's prophecy occurred in 520 BCE during the reign of Darius, when the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile but delayed rebuilding the Second Temple. Baruch emphasized how the people prioritized their own comfort over the divine command to rebuild the Temple, leading to spiritual neglect and material hardships. He highlighted the importance of not delaying spiritual duties and encouraged participants to take small steps towards aligning with God's will. Basil asked if the people knew about the future Third Temple, to which Baruch responded that they did not, but God offered them every opportunity to make the Second Temple a reality. Faith, Action, and Temple Rebuilding Baruch discussed the importance of prioritizing faith and action in rebuilding the Beit Hamikdash, emphasizing that every generation is accountable for its efforts. He explained that while waiting for Mashiach is valid, individuals must also strive to the utmost in spiritual and physical efforts, reaching the 49th level before relying on the 50th level of divine intervention. Baruch also taught from Haggai 1:6 about the spiritual futility of material success without purpose, encouraging listeners to seek alignment with Hashem and redirect empty success into spiritual pursuits. Kimche contributed by noting the relevance of the name "Hagai" in light of recent events and read Haggai 1:8, which Baruch interpreted as a call to ascend and build with both wood and the tree, symbolizing both physical and spiritual efforts. Temple Building: Spiritual and Physical The discussion focused on spiritual and physical building of the Beit Hamikdash, with Baruch and Kimche explaining that sincere efforts bring divine presence and blessings. Baruch emphasized that Jews are now allowed to pray on Har Habayit, marking a significant turning point, and shared prophecies from Haggai about future temple rebuilding and Messianic times. The speakers stressed that spiritual purity and proper worship are essential for divine presence to return to the temple mount, and encouraged participants to take action in building Hashem's house both physically and spiritually. Shechina's Return and Prophetic Fulfillment Baruch discussed the prophecy in Haggai 2, emphasizing that the divine presence, or Shechina, was manifest in the first Temple but not in the second. He explained that the potential for the Shechina to return was always there, and it will be fully manifested in the future. Baruch also touched on the importance of Jews returning to Israel and increasing Torah study, as these actions bring the Shechina closer. He concluded by sharing insights on the prophecy that the final Temple will be greater than the first, and that current events are moving the world closer to this prophetic fulfillment.