'The Temples at Jerusalem and their Masonic Connections' door George Farrah
	Vervolg Engelse introductie: Topic of the word 'temples' is to broaden our knowledge on the origin of the word and the influence of Canaanite religion and culture of the Israelites. The tripartite design of the Temple, with an elevated Holy of Holies and the interior are typically Canaanite. each Temple is dicussd in detail with cross-references where possible. Detailed description of furnishings in the Temple and Courtyard are backed up with archaeological examples. Foundry techniques and how the bronze pillars, great basin and stands may have been cast, transported and erected are dealt with in detail. A brief history of the temples from Solomon's death and partition of the united monarchy of Herod's time will help to refer to the Kings of Judah, Israel, Persia, Babylon and the Romans, with the looting of the Temple treasures and introduction of foreign worship of idols into the Temple.  Not te be biased, there is a critical discussion of whether Solomon's temple, and even Solomom himslef, really did exist, citing the absense of references in non-biblical literature of the era. The recently discoverd 'Ivory Pomegranate' is cited both as evidence for and against the Temple's existence backed by radio-carbon dating techniques and ancient alphabets study. Zerubabbel's or The Second Temple starts with the return of the exiles to Jerusalem under Prince Zerubabbel, the role of the Samaritans and Cyrus's edict backed by Darius's confirmation of the existence of the original edict. A brief description of the Temple's architecture from scanty information obtained from Ezra, Josephus and Macabees is followed by a more detailed description of the furnishings. The history of the Temple, looting and desecration experienced by Solomon's Temple continues up to Herod's plan for a more impressive building to replace the existing one without interrupting the daily services. Herod's temple, a magnificent replacement, is only briefly discussed, mainly in connection with references to Freemasonry. The Temple Platform, site of the three Temples, now occupied by the magnificent Haram al-Sharif (Dome of the Rock) and the El-Aska mosque at the south side of the Platform and also King Baldwyn's residence during the Christian era is interesting as being the site of the three world's great religions -Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The present location of the El-Aska mosque was also the site of the Knight Templars, another connection with a form of Freemasonry. Finally, other Temple and masonic topics of interrest are included to help connect our Masonic Degrees with the Temples. The 'Cubit' is discussed in detail with particular refrence to the Siloan tunnel cubit from which our Temple cubit equivalent of 18 inches is taken. Language and script used in correspondence between Hiram and Solomon, sacrifices and their religious significance, Priests, Scribes and their roles, the Cedars of Lebanon, musicl instruments, weights and measures etc. are all subjects intended to give a 'human touch' to the inanimate limestone buildings and perhaps find comparisons with present day examples. Succoth, Zerathan then and now and a 'Who is who' of names mentioned, from Adoniram to Zerubabbel may serve as an extra to stimulate the reader further. There ar many maps and diagrams to put the reader 'in the picture'. Maps of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount from Solomomn's time to the present era are intended to show progress in the expansion of the Platform to Herod's time; the main reason why not a trace of Solomon's temple and places as well as Zerubabbel's Temple can be found.  This is an important book which helps to place the Temples at Jerusalem in their correct Masonic context.