Guide
The Significance and Meaning of the Temple
By Carol Bakhos
Ancient Jewish writers offered symbolic interpretations of the Temple and its features and elaborated on its significance and sanctity.
Related Primary Sources
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The Qumran Community as Temple
[ . . . ] When these things exist in Israel the Community council shall be founded on truth, to be an everlasting plantation, a holy house…
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The Temple as Sacred Space
8. Within the wall [of Jerusalem] was holier [than outside the wall], for they would eat the lesser holy offerings and the produce of the second tithe there. The Temple Mount was holier than [within…
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The Altar as Source of Life
Both the stones of the altar ramp and the stones of the altar were from the valley of Beth Kerem. They dug from the virgin ground below and brought whole stones [to the Temple] over which no iron had…