A while ago, I began a project in which I planned to create an entire virtual model of the second Beit HaMikdash (Temple). To do this, I am using a 3D ray-tracing program called POV-Ray. It creates pictures out of 3D environments; it cannot make an interactive, navigable world. (I didn't make it using VRML because the level of visual detail is a lot greater this way.) I've also used sPatch, a wireframe modeler, for some of the more irregular shapes. I always expected this project to take a very long time, and I've kind of fallen into a bit of a slump/hiatus, not making any real progress in the past few years. However, the project is, at least "officially," still on. In any case, hopefully the next real one will be done before I am.
         The pictures are all in JPG format. If you want the bitmap version (which is a clearer picture but a larger file) of any of the pictures (they make great Windows wallpaper) or you'd like me to get you a "snapshot" of something from another angle, just e-mail me. All the pictures look best on an 800x600 16- or 24-bit color display. For detailed information about my 3D Stereograms, see my page of explanation.

         I'm using, as my sources, the Mishnayot Kahati of Masechet Midot and a book called Beit HaMikdash HaSheini by someone named Shalom Dov Steinberg. I've also started using Mishkan HaShem by Shimon Shpietzky for the M'norah, Shulchan and Mizbach HaK'toret. I don't expect to be entirely accurate; a lot of undocumented details will become victims of my own conceptions (or misconceptions). However, if you see anything that is clearly an error or omission, please e-mail me. Please keep in mind, though, that there are many conflicting sources describing different parts of the Mikdash, and there may be more than one correct perception of a specific item.
         First, I created the Mizbei'ach HaChitzon (outside altar), the Beit HaMitbachayim (slaughterhouse) and the Kiyor (washbasin of sorts). I had a bit of difficulty creating the Kiyor, since, to the best of my knowledge, we have no clue what it actually looked like (other than the general structure and number of faucets). I had to be slightly creative, and artistic creativity isn't necessarily my strong point. I then added the Shulchan (table), the M'norah (candelabra) and the Mizbach HaK'toret (incense altar).

         Make sure you check out the educational part of this whole thing. Based on the suggestion by my sister, Chanie, I stuck in little descriptions. If you want to know what something in one of the pictures is, just click on it! (This feature requires JavaScript; I apologize to those of you with older browsers, but this was the most efficient way to do it.) If you want any further explanation or direction to a source that I've used, as usual, e-mail me.

         I hope you like it.

	The Mizbei'ach HaChitzon: Full-size picture 3D Stereogram: X or | |
	The Beit HaMitbachayim: Full-size picture 3D Stereogram: X or | |
	The Kiyor: Full-size picture 3D Stereogram: X or | |
	The Shulchan: Full-size picture
	The M'norah: Full-size picture
	The Mizbach HaK'toret: Full-size picture