A rare and highly controversial halachic discussion attributed to the Amshinover Rebbe has sent shockwaves through the Torah and Chassidic worlds after the official Amshinov publication released a conversation suggesting that certain areas of Har Habayis may be permissible to enter after proper immersion.

The unusual exchange appeared this past Shabbos in the internal Amshinov publication Yirah V’Simchah under the title “Shtei Halechem in Our Times,” and centered around questions posed to the Rebbe by his son regarding recent attempts by Temple activists to perform Shavuos-related rituals on the Har Habayis.

The conversation, which was obtained by Matzav.com through researcher and tour guide Yisroel Shapiro, has generated intense discussion.

During the discussion, the Rebbe’s son asked directly whether it is currently forbidden to ascend Har Habayis.

The Amshinover Rebbe responded: “A person who is tamei meis is permitted to enter Har Habayis itself. Only the cheil, which is farther inward beyond Har Habayis, is forbidden.”

When asked whether someone who immerses in a regular mikveh may enter Har Habayis, the Rebbe answered: “Yes, but again, only the beginning section of Har Habayis.”

Asked where that “beginning” area would be located today, the Rebbe replied: “Not deep inside. Farther in is already considered the cheil.”

Later in the conversation, the Rebbe explained that the Kosel Hama’aravi is connected to the wall of Har Habayis, citing the sefer Kaftor VaFerach, and acknowledged that the area beyond the Kosel wall is likely already considered part of Har Habayis itself.

At the same time, the Rebbe emphasized that “Har Habayis is not the Azarah. Har Habayis is Machaneh Leviyah,” and therefore, from a strictly halachic standpoint, entering the outer sections of Har Habayis after proper immersion would be permissible.

The discussion also addressed recent efforts by activists to perform the mitzvah of waving the Shtei Halechem offerings on Har Habayis during Shavuos, attempts that reportedly ended this year with the arrest of 13 activists by police.

“On the surface, there would seem to be a mitzvah involved,” the Rebbe remarked regarding the idea itself, but he immediately raised major halachic obstacles that would prevent such an act from being valid.

“You would have to bake them inside, and I do not understand how they would then be removed,” the Rebbe said, noting the serious issue of “nifsal b’yotzei.”

He also questioned whether there could be certainty today regarding valid kehuna lineage, proper identification of techeiles and argaman, and the exact location of the mizbei’ach.

When his son asked whether the laws of Shtei Halechem might parallel those of the Korban Pesach, the Rebbe responded: “Every individual is obligated in the Korban Pesach; Shtei Halechem is a communal offering.”

The Rebbe then reportedly added humorously regarding activists attempting to carry out sacrificial rituals on Har Habayis: “The Korban Pesach requires a mizbei’ach… Are they carrying a mizbei’ach with them as well?”

The publication of the conversation has reportedly caused astonishment among many Amshinov Chassidim, particularly because of the Rebbe’s well-known personal stringencies regarding mekomos hakedoshim.

One prominent Amshinover chossid said that the comments were viewed as extraordinary given the Rebbe’s famously elevated standards of reverence toward holy places.

According to longtime followers, the Amshinover Rebbe is known to avoid even placing his fingers into the crevices of the Kosel stones out of awe for the site’s holiness.

For that reason, many are stunned that the same Rebbe who conducts himself with such extreme caution at the Kosel would publicly articulate a detailed halachic explanation permitting entry into portions of Machaneh Leviyah on Har Habayis after immersion.