Before the Beit HaMikdash...

Yes, before King Shlomo built the Beit HaMikdash the Holy Temple, the was the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. It was built as a portable Sanctuary as the Jewish People wandered the desert between Egypt and the HolyLand.

Then for hundreds of years it "rested" in Shiloh, where I live. "Rested" doesn't mean idle. It means wasn't schlepped. Temple-like sacrifices took place there, and the Kohanim and Leviim reigned. That's my connection, since neither my husband nor I come from Priestly stock.

So, if you want to know more about the Holy Temple work of the Kohen and Levi, you ought to check out the Cohen-Levi Conference, which will be taking place in Jerusalem, from Rosh Chodesh Av, July 15-19, 2007.

It won't cost you anything. The program is amazing.