By Judy Lash Balint

JERUSALEM—A new 1.2 ton model of the Second Temple was hauled up to the roof of the Aish building overlooking the Western Wall on Wednesday.

The model, designed and made by Russian-born engineer Michael Osnis according to the specifications of the Mishna with the input of experts from the Temple Institute will be the centerpiece of a new state-of-the-art interactive museum called the Exploratorium.

The model installed Wednesday will be open to the public in December, to coincide with a "mission" of Aish financial supporters. The museum will open its doors in another two years, according to Aish director Rabbi Ephraim Shore.

Rabbi Shore explains that the model will emphasize the very worthy goal of strengthening the Jewish connection with Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. One assumes this is also a goal of the larger Temple model that graces the grounds of the Israel Museum.

In PR material handed out to reporters at this morning's event,the Exploratorium is described as "a major new tourist attraction...expected to attract around 300,000 people every year." The model was financed to the tune of $360,000 by the R.S Zarnegin family of Beverly Hills, California.. Other parts of the new building were "dedicated" for similar amounts

A similar glitzy project called the Chain of Generations Center

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Model of Second Temple lowered into place on hilltop facing Ha Kotel and Al Aqsa Mosque. {Judy Lash Balint photo}

opened to mixed reviews a few years ago just a few hundred yards away from the Aish museum. Here's how The Western Wall Heritage Foundation describes its attraction that consists largely of massive sculpted glass columns and a holograph presentation: "Guests to the center will find an unusual and enchanting fusion of many creative elements: music, sculpture, archeology and light effects that together create a masterpiece to delight all the senses." This project was funded by well-known philanthropists Ira and Inge Rennert and Mortimer Zuckerman.

Both these project raise questions about the Kotel and its environs. Does the Western Wall need "major new tourist attractions" to draw people to it? What does it say about Jerusalem that private institutions and wealthy donors from abroad are defining our most holy places?

Judy Lash Balint is a freelance writer based in Jerusalem. Her stories may be read on her website, Jerusalem Diaries.