Lost property announcements perhaps? That might have been the function of this very spot. We are standing before the Dome of the Tablets. This small dome rests on the Temple Mount. It is found in the Old City of Jerusalem. Its history and purpose are shrouded in fascinating theories.
The Dome of the Tablets has another name. It is also known as the Dome of the Spirits. The structure stands northwest of the Dome of the Rock. It is opposite the Gate of Mercy in the al-Aqsa enclave. You will also find it near the Dome of al-Khidr.
The name Dome of the Spirits has several possible origins. One theory links it to a nearby cave called the Spirits Cave. Another legend says the souls of the dead will gather here to pray. The Dome of the Tablets gets its name from the Stone Tablets. These tablets were supposedly kept in the Ark of the Covenant.
This site’s history stretches back centuries. Some believe it was initially built during the Umayyad period. Around the 9th or 10th century Ibn al-Faqih al-Hamadani mentioned a dome in the al-Aqsa enclave. It was called Kubbat Jibril or Dome of Gabriel. It was also known as Kubbat al-Ruh and Kubbat al-Arvah, meaning Dome of the Spirits. The structure was likely rebuilt in the 16th century during Ottoman rule.
The Dome of the Tablets has a unique outer structure. Unlike other domes in the Haram as-Sharif Complex, it is open-sided. Eight marble columns support eight pointed arches. A large dome sits above these arches. Stone barriers at the base of the columns end in niches. These niches face the direction of Qibla.
Beneath the Dome of the Tablets lies Herodian paving. This paving dates back to the Second Temple period. It may have been part of the Herodian Temple Mount’s inner court. The stone on which the dome stands measures about 12 feet by 11.5 feet. It is about 10 feet above the natural bedrock. This stone was part of the pavement north of the Temple buildings.
Asher S. Kaufman believed the Second Temple stood over the Dome of the Tablets. He identified the rock under this dome as the Foundation Stone. Other scholars disagree with Kaufman’s theory. They dispute that this was the location of the Holy of Holies.
The Foundation Stone is significant in Rabbinic tradition. It was in the Holy of Holies of the Temple. The Ark stood upon it in the First Temple. In the Second Temple period, the High Priest placed fire-pans and incense on it during the Day of Atonement. Rabbi Jose claimed the world was founded from this spot. Locating this stone could help determine the Temple’s location.
Rabbi David ben Zimra claimed the Foundation Stone was inside the Dome of the Rock. He identified it as the rock outcropping called es-Sakhra. This became known as the central location theory.
The Dome of the Tablets remains a subject of debate. Its small size may belie its historical importance. Whether it marks the spot of the Holy of Holies or simply commemorates the Tablets of Law, it is a compelling site. It invites contemplation on the rich history of the Temple Mount.