Holy of Holies

Innermost and most sacred area of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem, accessible only to the Israelite high priest and only once a year, on Yom Kippur. The Holy of Holies was located at the western end of the temple. At its entrance stood a small cedar altar overlaid with gold. In the First Temple (see Temple of Jerusalem) the Holy of Holies held the Ark of the Covenant.

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