Ahead of Pesach, Kosel Rabbi Bans Animals From Being Brought to Har HaBayis

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the Rabbi of the Kosel, on Tuesday banned the bringing of animals up to the Har HaBayis in an effort to prevent Jews from trying to bring their ‘Korban Pesach‘ on the holy site.

His announcement came a day after police arrested the leader of the Returning to the Mount movement on suspicion he would try to offer a Korban Pesach at the site. The fringe group announced on Friday, as it does every year, that it would provide money to anyone who attempts to offer the Korban Pesach ahead of Pesach, which begins on Wednesday night.

“The Western Wall Heritage Fund operates according to the instructions of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, which for generations has opposed any act of this kind, and in accordance with the authority of the Kosel Rabbi, has been preventing such actions for years, and will continue to do so this year as well,” Rabbi Rabinowitz’s statement said.

It should be noted, that according to all leading Poskim, it is forbidden to enter Har HaBayis.