Red heifer being burnt 1 July 2025
(Screenshot from Israel National News via Israel365News)
Israel365 News posted the following:
Update and Clarification Regarding the Red Heifer from the Temple Institute and the Sanhedrin
November 13, 2025
The burning of the red heifer on July 1 marked a significant moment in Jewish tradition, sparking considerable discussion. The Temple Institute, which has long been preparing for this ritual, issued its first official statement on the event, …
Additionally, the Sanhedrin has issued its own statement regarding the event, lending further clarity and direction to the ongoing process. …
Over a decade ago, the Temple Institute launched its red heifer project and tasked Rabbi Azariah Ariel with studying the subject in depth.
It should be emphasized that the red heifer is used to purify the nation of Israel from impurity resulting from proximity to or contact with a dead body. This state of purity is necessary for Jews to ascend to the Temple. Non-Jews do not become ritually impure and do not enter the Temple, so the mitzvah of the red heifer is not relevant to them, though the Talmud describes the purchase of a red heifer from a non-Jew to be used to purify Jews for the Temple service. …
On July 1, a red heifer that had been housed at Shiloh by the Boneh Israel organization was prepared and burned on a pyre of wood at an undisclosed location in Samaria. The ceremony was carried out by a Kohen (a Jewish man descended from Aaron the priest). The cow was one of five red calves that were brought from Texas to Israel by Boneh Israel in September 2022
The Temple Institute statement reads as follows:
In light of incorrect information that has been published regarding the red heifer, the Temple Institute would like to announce:
1. For about ten years, the Temple Institute has been engaged in preparations for producing the ashes of the red heifer, both from an educational and practical perspective. The observance of these commandments, the raising of a red heifer according to Torah law, and the production of kosher ashes for the purification of the ritually impure, is very complex and includes thousands (!) of details, which require great knowledge and skill in execution. Therefore, the process also includes a number of practical experiments and exercises.
2. About three months ago, a practice was held in the Samarian mountains, in which a simulation of the making of the ashes of the red heifer was conducted.
3. Of course, ashes of the red heifer that are not made on the Mount of Olives while facing the site of the Holy Temple are completely invalid (Mishnah, Para 4:2; Rambam, Para Aduma 4:5). Therefore, we clarify that the simulation was only an exercise, part of a series of exercises …
4. For this reason, the ashes were mostly left by us in place without any care on our part. …
5. Anyone who claims otherwise, that the heifer was kosher and the ashes produced from it are kosher for the purpose of purification, is mistaken and misleading, either intentionally or unintentionally.
6. There are currently four red heifers at the Shiloh site, some of which are owned by Rabbi Ariel, head of the Temple Institute. Their halachic status has not yet been definitively determined, and we are monitoring them.
7. The real red heifer will be made, G-d willing, when we have a kosher red heifer …
After deliberation, the nascent Sanhedrin released a statement regarding the event:
Sanhedrin Decision from the 19th of Cheshvan, 5786 [Nov. 10, 2025]
Ruling of the Sanhedrin Court on the Matter of Red Heifer Ashes
We sat together as one court. …
Anyone who invents something other than the Seven Noahide Commandments causes those who listen to him to sin, and this includes anyone who invents that the ashes from a red heifer exercise purify Gentiles, or heals Gentiles, or anything else – such a person is among the fraudsters and swindlers, and one must distance oneself from him and distance him. https://israel365news.com/413978/update-and-clarification-regarding-the-red-heifer/
Let’s address some of these issues.
First of all, the Sanhedrin is right that a red heifer sacrifice (like the one in July or a future one) does not purify Gentiles (or scripturally anyone else in the church age).
The New Testament teaches us the following:
11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:11-15)
Christians do not need any heifer, but certain Jews who reject Jesus’ sacrifice think that the Jews do.
Secondly, we see that the Temple Institute has officially declared that that July 1st sacrifice of a red heifer does not count.
A few months back, a reader who has attended CCOG church services asked if I had watch a particular video on the red heifer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bW_S2ho1bE), and I said I had not. Anyway, I later watched it. It featured Adam King who held up a packet of what he said were ashes from the red heifer that was sacrificed and burnt on 1 July 2025.
He made several claims about this sacrifice:
- It met all the necessary criteria.
- The people associated with sacrifice this misled government authorities to get permission to do it.
- The red heifer did not have any non-red hairs.
- Since this was done properly, now the ‘third temple’ can be built.
Here is what I posted about that on August 18, 2025 (see Does the red heifer sacrifice mean that a ‘third temple’ can now be built?):
Now, let’s deal with some of Adam King’s claims.
According to the Temple Institute that the animal sacrificed was disqualified.
According to the Temple Institute the heifer did have non-red hairs.
According to something still (as of 08/18/25) at the Temple Institute website, it was the Messiah that was supposed to sacrifice the animal. The last page of a post from the Temple Institute had the following:
The Tenth Red Heifer Will be Prepared by the Messiah
In recounting this historical record in his commentary to the Mishna, the great Maimonides ends with the enigmatic statement: “… and the tenth red heifer will be accomplished by the king, the Messiah; may he be revealed speedily, Amen, May it be G-d’s will.” … With the words of Maimonides in mind, we cannot help but wonder and pray: If there are now red heifers… is ours the era that will need them? https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-the-tenth-red-heifer/
The Bible does not teach the above, but the Temple Institute has accepted various traditions as commandments of God, which simply are not.
According to me, the animal sacrifice appeared to meet the biblical criteria and was acceptable to some now and likely may be acceptable to others later.
But perhaps most importantly, I do not believe that the Temple Institute plans to tell people they misled the government and that they changed their minds about the qualifications of that heifer.
As far as the biblical requirements go, it is not biblically required for a red heifer to be sacrificed on the Mount of Olives–that is simply a later Jewish tradition.
The third main point to mention is that once again, the Temple Institute says it has four red heifer candidates, so we may see one of them sacrificed in the next few years.
That said, the July sacrifice of a red heifer was significant and it may or may not be the last ritually sanctified one. Related to that sacrifice we have the following related video:
The Last Red Heifer?
The Last Red Heifer? What does that mean? On 1 July 2025, a red heifer was sacrificed in Israel. Over ten gallons of ashes of that red heifer were reportedly collected. Some believe this sacrifice fulfilled the requirements in the Old Testament, whereas others said this was only a practice run. The Book of Numbers teaches that the ashes of red heifer are required to be added to the waters of purification for the purifying of sin. Certain Jews want the ashes for reasons including another temple and animal sacrifices, whereas others assert that the sacrifices can be resumed without a red heifer approved by the Temple Institute or the reconstituted Sanhedrin. “So what?” you say? “Who cares if some Jews want sacrifice animals again?”, you ask? Well, what if animal sacrifices are prophesied to begin again prior to the return of Jesus Christ? Would that make a difference? If all prophecy must be fulfilled, and it must, could there be any connection to the ashes of a red heifer? Since the Temple Institute disqualified the red heifer that was sacrificed 1 July 2025 as being ceremonially disqualified because of 2 or 3 non-red hairs, could it change its mind? Would never accepting that sacrifice delay the return of our Messiah? After all, all prophecy must be fulfilled. Dr. Thiel contends that the position of the Temple Institute regarding a few non-red hairs, as well as its posted position that the Messiah would be the one to sacrifice the last red heifer, are simply not biblical. Dr. Thiel also points to the sacrifice of Jesus as eliminating the need for Christians to have the ashes of a red heifer for purification. So, now what? Watch this video and listen as Dr. Thiel shines the light of Biblical prophecy from the pages of the Bible on the Jewish need for the ashes of a red heifer and the resumption of animal sacrifices.
Here is a link to our video: The Last Red Heifer?
Now, the Bible does not prophesy the need for another red heifer. Why? Because the New Testament says the ashes of one are not needed for Christian redemption.
Yet, biblically, we know that the daily animal sacrifices will be re-implemented by certain Jews as the prophet Daniel was inspired to numerous times that they would be stopped:
9 And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. 10 And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them. 11 He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. 12 Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered.
13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?”
14 And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” (Daniel 8:9-14)
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering … (Daniel 9:27)31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)
11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. (Daniel 12:11)
So, we see that after a deal is made, 3 1/2 years later, sacrifices will be stopped. By who? Well, the “he” above was called a “prince” in Daniel 9:26. He will become the King of the North Beast leader as discussed in Daniel 11:31, 40 and his forces will place an abomination when the sacrifices are stopped (Daniel 11:31). That placement is something that Jesus pointed to as a sign of the end in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14. Since Daniel shows that those that wait the 1335 days are then blessed–this looks to be a reference to Jesus returning and establishing the Kingdom of God a little less than four years after the daily sacrifices are stopped by the Beast!
It should be understood that the Bible itself nowhere teaches that animal sacrifices require a temple in Jerusalem. Also, the position of certain other Jewish scholars is that a physical temple, while helpful, is NOT required.
Until Solomon built the first temple (1 Kings 6:14), the Bible shows that the Jews sacrificed on altars. David, Solomon’s father, for example sacrificed on an altar (2 Samuel 24:25), as did Aaron and his descendants (Exodus 20:24; Leviticus 1:10-11). And prior to all of that, Abel (Genesis 4:4), Noah (Genesis 8:20), Abraham (Genesis 22:9-13), and others sacrificed animals to God.
So for over 3,000 years, animal sacrifices were offered without a Jewish temple.
Even after the first Jerusalem temple was destroyed and left in ruins, the Bible itself specifically shows that sacrifices were made in the time of Ezra BEFORE the second temple was ready:
6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD was not yet laid. (Ezra 3:6)
One may argue that since it takes the participation of Jewish religious leaders in order for Jewish animal sacrifices to be resumed in the 21st century, that the above scripture is a moot point.
And it might be if there were no Jewish religious leaders that thought that they could not sacrifice without a temple.
Yet the fact is, that although they are in the minority, there are significant numbers of Jewish religious leaders who are intent on starting animal sacrifices as soon as possible. And these Jewish leaders do not believe that they have to wait in order for a temple to rebuilt in order to do so.
Notice the following:
The 71 members of the “Re-established Sanhedrin” say they want to begin sacrificing animals again, despite the absence of the Temple, the ritual altar and all the required implements listed in the Bible. Rabbi Dov Stein of the group admitted…
“We want to do the sacrifice, but we have political problems,” Stein said. “We hope there will come a time when the government will agree. We will push for that to happen.” (Rabbis aim to renew animal sacrifices. Associated Press. Feb 28, 2007. http://www.jpost.com)
The “Sanhedrin” group referred to above began to form in 2004 and claims to have “the consent of hundreds of rabbis, scholars and leaders” (http://www.thesanhedrin.org/en/index.php/The_Sanhedrin_Initiative viewed 09/11/08). It also has been working on implements, including those related to having an altar.
Last decade, representatives of both the Temple Institute and the Sanhedrin directly told me that animal sacrifices can be resumed without a ‘third temple.’ Those who think that a massive ‘third temple’ must first be built will overlook and misunderstand many prophecies.
Since the sacrifices will be stopped they must first start. And that is something that the Temple Institute and Sanhedrin are working towards.
As Jesus said:
35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming — in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning — 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:35-37)
The animal sacrifice situation is one of the events we in the Continuing Church of God are watching for.
Now, is a third temple required to resume those daily animal sacrifices?
No.
All that is needed it an altar, a consecrated high priest, and perhaps a tent.
The Jews have that. Related to that, we have the following video:
Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent
In March 2024, the Temple Institute recently pointed out that how God blessed the Sabbath, He also blessed the construction of a tent tabernacle. They pointed out progress from the ancient Israelites. Should Christians be making spiritual progress each year before Passover? The Temple institute has stated that the area called ‘the Temple Mount’ needs to be cleared of Muslim mosques, etc. so that a ‘third temple’ can be built. It also claims that it has four thriving red heifers, one of which it want to sacrifice before the implementation of regular animal sacrifices. Has Hamas claimed that the existence and possible use of a red heifer was a factor in its attack in Israel on October 7, 2023? Does the Temple Institute believe it must have a massive temple in order for sacrifices to resume? Or is having a priesthood, an altar, and a tent enough? What does the Sanhedrin say about that? Did Ezra write that animal sacrifices were made after the first temple was destroyed, but before the second temple was started? Is that believed by numerous modern Jewish rabbis and scholars? Does the Bible teach that regular animal sacrifices will be resumed? Could there be any relationship to the stopping of them and the return of Jesus? Is the day of Jesus coming getting much closer? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these issues.
Here is a link to our video: Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent.
We all need to watch and pray as Jesus said in Luke 21:36 and grow in grace and knowledge and as the Apostle Paul wrote:
25 … exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
That day is approaching more and more.
Sacrifices will be resumed, with or without, a red heifer that the Temple Institute accepts.
Biblical prophecies will be fulfilled.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Nascent Sanhedrin and Prophecy The reconstituted Sanhedrin wants the reimplementation of animal sacrifices. A related video is titled Sanhedrin pushing animal sacrifices. And a newer one is: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!
The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World The Temple Institute is watching a ‘red heifer.’ Why might this be important in the sequence of end time events? Here is a related link in the Spanish language Novilla roja descubierta en EE.UU. e Instituto del Templo está interesado en ella. Here are links to three related videos in English: The Last Red Heifer? and Red Heifers and Antichrist? and Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent. Here is a link to two videos in the Spanish language: Novillas rojas and La novilla roja y su posible implicación profetica.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to two sermons The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work and God’s Temple in Prophecy. And here is a version of the latter one in the Spanish: El templo de Dios en profecía.
Nascent Sanhedrin and Prophecy The reconstituted Sanhedrin wants the reimplementation of animal sacrifices. A related video is titled Sanhedrin pushing animal sacrifices. And a newer one is: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!