A second red calf born in the Golan Heights
StatusHappened
For Christians who expect a rebuilt Temple, a second red calf born in Israel within weeks of the first shows the breeding effort widening. Because the rite calls for an animal "without spot, wherein is no blemish" (), the breeders took care this time: no ear tag was fitted, so as to avoid the blemish that ruled out the earlier calf.
Happened (the birth, as reported); her fitness is undecided. Charisma (23 July 2026), relaying a report from Israel365 News, says the National Red Heifer Institute announced a red calf born in the Golan Heights shortly before Tisha B'Av, about six weeks after Tamima, from the herd of Shai Givon. She is the female twin of a bull calf, and Rabbi Azariah Ariel said: "There is a real question as to whether a birth defect that is not external and visible on the cow's body disqualifies her unblemished status." Two further heifers were reported inseminated at Shiloh. No date for a ceremony was given.
Explore the counterarguments
The report comes from a single outlet relaying another, and the original announcement has not been read directly. The calf's fitness is unresolved. Like the others, she was bred for the purpose, so any later rite would be the work of people acting on the texts, not an independent sign.