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

The model, designed and made by Russian-born engineer Michael Osanis 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 yesterday will be open to the public in December, to coincide with a "mission" of Aish financial supporters. The museum itself 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 enhancing the Jewish connection with Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. One assumes that the larger model of Jerusalem in Second Temple times that graces the grounds of the Israel Museum has a similar goal.

In PR material handed out to reporters at yesterday'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, CA. Other parts of the new building were "dedicated" for similar amounts (http://international.aish.com/aishint/building/dedications_gold.asp.)

A similar glitzy project called the Chain of Generations Center 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 American philanthropists Ira & Inge Rennert and Mortimer Zuckerman.

Both these projects 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?

See pictures of yesterday's event at http://picasaweb.google.com/judy.balint/AishModel?authkey=Gv1sRgCM-A3K3L...