Temple cultural definition

The central place of worship for the Israelites. The first Temple was built in Jerusalem (see also Jerusalem) by King Solomon. The stone tablets received by Moses on Mount Sinai — tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written — were kept in the central chamber of Solomon's Temple. Solomon's Temple was later destroyed, as were two succeeding temples built on the site.

• A wall remaining from the temples, known as the Western Wall, is one of the most sacred places for Jews (see also Jews) today.