According to Rabbi Ariel, a prominent figure associated with the Temple Institute in Jerusalem, the quest for a ritually pure red heifer, a key element in Jewish tradition tied to the purification rites described in the Book of Numbers, remains unfulfilled. In a statement that has sparked discussion across religious and cultural spheres, Rabbi Ariel declared, “At this moment, we do not have a red heifer suited for the ceremony,” highlighting the ongoing challenges in meeting the stringent biblical requirements for this rare animal. The red heifer, or para aduma, must be completely red, without blemish, and never yoked, conditions that have proven difficult to satisfy in modern times. The ashes of such a heifer are considered essential for ritual purification, a prerequisite some believe is necessary before the rebuilding of the Third Temple—a topic of significant theological and political sensitivity in Israel and beyond. Rabbi Ariel emphasized that while potential candidates have been identified, none currently meet the exacting standards. The Temple Institute, which Rabbi Ariel helps lead, has been actively working to breed or locate a suitable heifer, a project that has drawn attention from both supporters and skeptics. Posts on X in early March 2025 noted that some heifers developed white hairs, disqualifying them, with one user humorously remarking that experts were “measuring the distance between them.” Mainstream outlets have periodically covered this effort due to its implications. In a 2023 piece, The New York Times explored the Temple Institute’s initiatives, noting the organization’s attempts to revive ancient Jewish practices, including the red heifer search.