Like Clay – Yom Kippur Reflections from the Temple Mount Sifting Project
This Yom Kippur, as we reflect on our own shaping, we also honor the hands that formed the sacred and mundane objects of Jerusalem’s past. Jewish prayer books contain many liturgical poems (piyyutim), especially in the holiday services. One well-known example from the Yom Kippur prayers is “כי הנה כחומר” (Ki Hineh Ka-ḥomer, “Like Clay”). Its author is unknown, and its words rest on God’s statement through the prophet Jeremiah: “Behold, like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, House of Israel." (Jer. 18:6) It likens the relationship between God and Israel to that of an artisan and the material in his hands. Each stanza invokes a different craft - potter, mason, smith, glazier, embroiderer, refiner - offering metaphors of shaping, refining, and guidance. These images speak not only to divine creation but also to the human experience of labor, craftsmanship, and transformation.
At the Temple Mount Sifting Project, these images take on tangible form. The soil of the Temple Mount has yielded thousands of finds that reflect the very crafts described in the piyyut. Every item uncovered in the sifting also tells of the ancient workmanship that brought it into being - many of them the very arts portrayed in the poem.
Read more:
https://tmsifting.org/en/2025/09/30/like-clay-yom-kippur-reflections-from-the-temple-mount/
This Yom Kippur, as we reflect on our own shaping, we also honor the hands that formed the sacred and mundane objects of Jerusalem’s past. Jewish prayer books contain many liturgical poems (piyyutim), especially in the holiday services. One well-known example from the Yom Kippur prayers is “כי הנה כחומר” (Ki Hineh Ka-ḥomer, “Like Clay”). Its author is unknown, and its words rest on God’s statement through the prophet Jeremiah: “Behold, like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, House of Israel." (Jer. 18:6) It likens the relationship between God and Israel to that of an artisan and the material in his hands. Each stanza invokes a different craft - potter, mason, smith, glazier, embroiderer, refiner - offering metaphors of shaping, refining, and guidance. These images speak not only to divine creation but also to the human experience of labor, craftsmanship, and transformation.
At the Temple Mount Sifting Project, these images take on tangible form. The soil of the Temple Mount has yielded thousands of finds that reflect the very crafts described in the piyyut. Every item uncovered in the sifting also tells of the ancient workmanship that brought it into being - many of them the very arts portrayed in the poem.
Read more:
https://tmsifting.org/en/2025/09/30/like-clay-yom-kippur-reflections-from-the-temple-mount/
The Temple Mount Sifting Project
Like Clay - Yom Kippur Reflections from the Temple Mount Sifting Project - The Temple Mount Sifting Project
The Temple Mount Sifting Project is an archaeological endeavour which sifts earth destructively and illegally bulldozed from the Temple Mount in 1999 by Muslim authorities. Since 2004, the Temple Mount Sifting Project has been sifting this soil in order to…
Find and Finder of the Month: Saved By the Bell! Shayna and Mia’s Bronze Crotal Bell
https://tmsifting.org/en/2025/10/29/find-and-finder-of-the-month-saved-by-the-bell-shayna-and-mias-bronze-crotal-bell/
https://tmsifting.org/en/2025/10/29/find-and-finder-of-the-month-saved-by-the-bell-shayna-and-mias-bronze-crotal-bell/
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THE “DEGRADED HASMONEAN COINS” – A SILENT WITNESS TO THE PRICE OF BROTHERLY CONFLICT
https://tmsifting.org/en/2025/12/11/the-degraded-hasmonean-coins-a-silent-witness-to-the-price-of-brotherly-conflict/
https://tmsifting.org/en/2025/12/11/the-degraded-hasmonean-coins-a-silent-witness-to-the-price-of-brotherly-conflict/
Stone of the Siege: 10th of Tevet and the Defense of the Temple Mount
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of
Dr. Gabriel Barkay z”l, co-founder and director of the Temple Mount Sifting Project.
Among the last of a generation of giants in biblical archaeology, his immense knowledge illuminated and inspired countless people. A prolific scholar and beloved teacher, he helped uncover Jerusalem’s hidden treasures. He raised generations of students and shared his love of Jerusalem with many, in Israel and throughout the world.
Funeral Details:
Monday, January 12, 2026, 3:00 PM
Beit HaHespedim (Kehillat Yerushalayim), Har HaMenuchot, Jerusalem
May his memory be a blessing.
Dr. Gabriel Barkay z”l, co-founder and director of the Temple Mount Sifting Project.
Among the last of a generation of giants in biblical archaeology, his immense knowledge illuminated and inspired countless people. A prolific scholar and beloved teacher, he helped uncover Jerusalem’s hidden treasures. He raised generations of students and shared his love of Jerusalem with many, in Israel and throughout the world.
Funeral Details:
Monday, January 12, 2026, 3:00 PM
Beit HaHespedim (Kehillat Yerushalayim), Har HaMenuchot, Jerusalem
May his memory be a blessing.
🙏2😢1
Gaby was a man of memory; fittingly, we buried him with memory. Into the soil of his grave, we integrated earth from the Temple Mount—earth with a grey texture due to the vast amounts of ash embedded within it, the result of the destruction of the Temple.
Below is an AI translation of the full eulogy I delivered today in his memory.
------------
Gaby – Dear Friend, Teacher, Father of Archaeology
I am grateful for the great privilege that fell to my lot to partner with you in this immense challenge: the rescue, exposure, research, and making accessible of the treasures of the Temple Mount to the general public. This partnership birthed a unique friendship. Despite the generation gap and the differences in character, we complemented one another - a completion that enabled the success of our joint efforts.
Being in your presence was, for me, a school for the history of Jerusalem. I was privileged to learn directly from a rare remnant of the "generation of giants." I learned from you not only how to look at artifacts rising from the earth, but how to listen to the story of the people who used and left them behind, and the story of those who discovered them.
For more than being a man of books or a man of objects - you were a man of people. For you, archaeological remains were never the main thing, but merely the means to open a window into the lives of the people who left them. This approach was clearly expressed in the Sifting Project, which is first and foremost a human project; a project of people taking responsibility for saving the heritage of the most holy and important site in the history of Israel, and in doing so, discovering something new and deep about themselves.
Gaby, you were a man of memory. You were gifted with a vast memory, and it was dear to your heart. After all, the archaeological act is an action of reviving the forgotten, reviving the story of the people whose remains we expose. Perhaps because of this, you were so drawn to the study of burial - you wanted to revive the dead, to touch them and their story directly. And perhaps this is the reason you were privileged to discover at Ketef Hinnom one of the most important finds ever in the archaeology of the Land of Israel: the silver amulet bearing the Priestly Blessing.
The Priestly Blessing is a blessing for the living, not for the dead. I do not know what those who buried the deceased with the amulet intended, but since we do not know of a similar find, it is possible that the goal of the "Minister of History" was different: to bless and revive specifically the souls of the living who would one day reveal the amulet. An amulet that would connect them back to their roots, and from the past to the future and to meaning—which is what sustains a person.
Anyone who was in your presence can testify to a special experience of exposure to inexhaustible knowledge. You were like an "ever-flowing spring." To drive with you through the streets of Jerusalem, when at every corner you point and tell who lived there and what happened there, is a privilege that only few have had. You were privileged to honor the memory of many, and therefore it is fitting that your memory also be honored. I appeal to the tour guides present here, who came to escort you on your final journey: If you pass with travelers on Azza (Gaza) Street in Jerusalem, near the home of "Bibiyahu the First" as Gaby put it, please tell them that the adjacent house was the home of the legendary archaeologist, Gabriel Barkay.
Dear Gaby, you have left a huge void, and I doubt anyone will be able to fill it. We will miss you greatly. We are sorrowful that you will not get to see the final publication of our joint work, the fruit of over twenty years of labor. I had an old hope, that the day would come when you would guide us through the ruins of Shushan the Capital (Susa), which you excavated in the 60s. Recent events hint that perhaps such a tour might be possible in the future, but unfortunately, we will not be able to do it with you.
We loved you very much.
Below is an AI translation of the full eulogy I delivered today in his memory.
------------
Gaby – Dear Friend, Teacher, Father of Archaeology
I am grateful for the great privilege that fell to my lot to partner with you in this immense challenge: the rescue, exposure, research, and making accessible of the treasures of the Temple Mount to the general public. This partnership birthed a unique friendship. Despite the generation gap and the differences in character, we complemented one another - a completion that enabled the success of our joint efforts.
Being in your presence was, for me, a school for the history of Jerusalem. I was privileged to learn directly from a rare remnant of the "generation of giants." I learned from you not only how to look at artifacts rising from the earth, but how to listen to the story of the people who used and left them behind, and the story of those who discovered them.
For more than being a man of books or a man of objects - you were a man of people. For you, archaeological remains were never the main thing, but merely the means to open a window into the lives of the people who left them. This approach was clearly expressed in the Sifting Project, which is first and foremost a human project; a project of people taking responsibility for saving the heritage of the most holy and important site in the history of Israel, and in doing so, discovering something new and deep about themselves.
Gaby, you were a man of memory. You were gifted with a vast memory, and it was dear to your heart. After all, the archaeological act is an action of reviving the forgotten, reviving the story of the people whose remains we expose. Perhaps because of this, you were so drawn to the study of burial - you wanted to revive the dead, to touch them and their story directly. And perhaps this is the reason you were privileged to discover at Ketef Hinnom one of the most important finds ever in the archaeology of the Land of Israel: the silver amulet bearing the Priestly Blessing.
The Priestly Blessing is a blessing for the living, not for the dead. I do not know what those who buried the deceased with the amulet intended, but since we do not know of a similar find, it is possible that the goal of the "Minister of History" was different: to bless and revive specifically the souls of the living who would one day reveal the amulet. An amulet that would connect them back to their roots, and from the past to the future and to meaning—which is what sustains a person.
Anyone who was in your presence can testify to a special experience of exposure to inexhaustible knowledge. You were like an "ever-flowing spring." To drive with you through the streets of Jerusalem, when at every corner you point and tell who lived there and what happened there, is a privilege that only few have had. You were privileged to honor the memory of many, and therefore it is fitting that your memory also be honored. I appeal to the tour guides present here, who came to escort you on your final journey: If you pass with travelers on Azza (Gaza) Street in Jerusalem, near the home of "Bibiyahu the First" as Gaby put it, please tell them that the adjacent house was the home of the legendary archaeologist, Gabriel Barkay.
Dear Gaby, you have left a huge void, and I doubt anyone will be able to fill it. We will miss you greatly. We are sorrowful that you will not get to see the final publication of our joint work, the fruit of over twenty years of labor. I had an old hope, that the day would come when you would guide us through the ruins of Shushan the Capital (Susa), which you excavated in the 60s. Recent events hint that perhaps such a tour might be possible in the future, but unfortunately, we will not be able to do it with you.
We loved you very much.
Forgive us for not being with you enough in your final days.
May the Place* whose soil we labored to cherish for over twenty years continue to comfort us among the mourners of Zion.
May the Lord bless us all and keep us in your name, and shine your memory upon us. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, wherever you are now, and may you rest in peace.
*Translator's note: In the penultimate paragraph, "The Place" (HaMakom) refers both to the physical site of the Temple Mount and is also a Jewish name for God used specifically when offering condolences.
May the Place* whose soil we labored to cherish for over twenty years continue to comfort us among the mourners of Zion.
May the Lord bless us all and keep us in your name, and shine your memory upon us. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, wherever you are now, and may you rest in peace.
*Translator's note: In the penultimate paragraph, "The Place" (HaMakom) refers both to the physical site of the Temple Mount and is also a Jewish name for God used specifically when offering condolences.
❤1
Taking Egypt out of the Israelites
Is it harder to take Egypt out of the Israelites than the Israelites out of Egypt? A fascinating archaeological discovery from the Temple Mount!
As Passover approaches, many discuss the verse "And the Lord spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, and gave them a charge to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 6:13). It is often said that sometimes it's harder to take Egypt out of the people of Israel than to take the people of Israel out of Egypt. Usually, this refers to spiritual enslavement - but a brand new discovery uncovered just this week proves that it was just as hard to get "Egyptian" culture out of Judah!
Is it harder to take Egypt out of the Israelites than the Israelites out of Egypt? A fascinating archaeological discovery from the Temple Mount!
As Passover approaches, many discuss the verse "And the Lord spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, and gave them a charge to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 6:13). It is often said that sometimes it's harder to take Egypt out of the people of Israel than to take the people of Israel out of Egypt. Usually, this refers to spiritual enslavement - but a brand new discovery uncovered just this week proves that it was just as hard to get "Egyptian" culture out of Judah!
So, what did we find?
Cynics might say Israeli archaeologists always “pull out” discoveries right before the holidays (just like last summer when we found a First Temple destruction clay sealing right before Tisha B’Av). But it turns out reality beats any timing!
This past Sunday, Arbel Monnickendam and his family came to sift soil from the Temple Mount (don’t worry, we have a protected space), and they found a fragment of a clay sealings from the First Temple period. The sealing features distinct Egyptian symbols, including a winged sun (a symbol of rule under divine protection) and parts of a cartouche (an oval frame enclosing Egyptian names).
We can’t publish more details or a closeup photo just yet, as the artifact requires proper scientific research and publication before being presented to the wider public. But because of the amazing timing right before Passover night, we just had to share our excitement with you!
The Bigger Picture
This finding joins a series of other discoveries from the Sifting Project, Jerusalem, and Judah from the same period, all pointing to a widespread use of Egyptian characteristics in the Judah’s administrative system of the First Temple era. We find the use of Hieratic (Egyptian) numerals, weights and measures, glyptic symbols, and even Egyptian names on seals. We even see this in the Bible itself, especially among priests and Levites who carry Egyptian names (such as Hophni, Phinehas, and Pashhur).
The roots of this Egyptian influence in Judean administration likely go back to the Late Bronze Age when Egypt (in 18th-20th dynasties) ruled Canaan, which required establishing a massive administrative apparatus.
What does this actually mean?
Does using symbols from Egyptian deity worship reflect the adoption of Egyptian religion among the people of Judah? Or did these symbols undergo a “secularization” process, becoming universal administrative icons? (Similar to our secular month names today, like March or July, which originate from Roman gods and rulers).
Another fascinating question: what was the attitude of Judeans during the First Temple period toward Egyptian culture, given the Exodus tradition? As we know, Judah had a complex, rollercoaster relationship with Egypt: from King Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter and extensive trade relations, through Shishak’s invasion and the looting of the Temple, King Hezekiah relying on Egypt against Assyrian invasion, the fatal clash with Pharaoh Necho during Josiah’s reign, and finally, Egyptian military assistance during the Babylonian siege.
We’ll leave the complex answers to the research, but we definitely wanted to share this new layer of data on Israel-Egypt relations revealed just days before Passover.
Happy Passover! May we merit freedom from all enslavements – mental and material – whether “Egyptian” or otherwise. We hold a deep hope for a swift end to the war, by removing all threats from those seeking to destroy the people of Israel
Cynics might say Israeli archaeologists always “pull out” discoveries right before the holidays (just like last summer when we found a First Temple destruction clay sealing right before Tisha B’Av). But it turns out reality beats any timing!
This past Sunday, Arbel Monnickendam and his family came to sift soil from the Temple Mount (don’t worry, we have a protected space), and they found a fragment of a clay sealings from the First Temple period. The sealing features distinct Egyptian symbols, including a winged sun (a symbol of rule under divine protection) and parts of a cartouche (an oval frame enclosing Egyptian names).
We can’t publish more details or a closeup photo just yet, as the artifact requires proper scientific research and publication before being presented to the wider public. But because of the amazing timing right before Passover night, we just had to share our excitement with you!
The Bigger Picture
This finding joins a series of other discoveries from the Sifting Project, Jerusalem, and Judah from the same period, all pointing to a widespread use of Egyptian characteristics in the Judah’s administrative system of the First Temple era. We find the use of Hieratic (Egyptian) numerals, weights and measures, glyptic symbols, and even Egyptian names on seals. We even see this in the Bible itself, especially among priests and Levites who carry Egyptian names (such as Hophni, Phinehas, and Pashhur).
The roots of this Egyptian influence in Judean administration likely go back to the Late Bronze Age when Egypt (in 18th-20th dynasties) ruled Canaan, which required establishing a massive administrative apparatus.
What does this actually mean?
Does using symbols from Egyptian deity worship reflect the adoption of Egyptian religion among the people of Judah? Or did these symbols undergo a “secularization” process, becoming universal administrative icons? (Similar to our secular month names today, like March or July, which originate from Roman gods and rulers).
Another fascinating question: what was the attitude of Judeans during the First Temple period toward Egyptian culture, given the Exodus tradition? As we know, Judah had a complex, rollercoaster relationship with Egypt: from King Solomon’s marriage to Pharaoh’s daughter and extensive trade relations, through Shishak’s invasion and the looting of the Temple, King Hezekiah relying on Egypt against Assyrian invasion, the fatal clash with Pharaoh Necho during Josiah’s reign, and finally, Egyptian military assistance during the Babylonian siege.
We’ll leave the complex answers to the research, but we definitely wanted to share this new layer of data on Israel-Egypt relations revealed just days before Passover.
Happy Passover! May we merit freedom from all enslavements – mental and material – whether “Egyptian” or otherwise. We hold a deep hope for a swift end to the war, by removing all threats from those seeking to destroy the people of Israel
❤1
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