Guide
Serving God without the Temple
3rd–7th Centuries
The texts here compare actions that may be performed in a post-Temple world to ritual obligations that existed while the Temple stood, suggesting that practices such as Torah study, tithing, and carrying the lulav can serve as substitutes for the Temple rites. In describing these practices as alternatives to the Temple cult, the texts indicate that Jews could continue to serve and be in relationship with God after the destruction.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Sifra on Serving God without the Temple
ON THAT SAME DAY YOU SHALL HOLD A CELEBRATION; IT SHALL BE A SACRED OCCASION FOR YOU . . . AND WHEN YOU REAP THE HARVEST OF YOUR LAND, YOU SHALL NOT REAP ALL THE WAY TO THE EDGES OF YOUR FIELD…
Primary Source
The Talmud on Serving God without the Temple
In every place offerings are presented to My name, [and a pure meal offering; for My name is great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts (Malachi 1:11)…
Primary Source
Leviticus Rabbah on Serving God without the Temple
R. Aḥa [said] in the name of R. Ḥanina bar Papa: Since when the Temple was standing Israel would offer all the sacrifices in the Torah, why do they now [study the laws] of [the sacrifices]? The Holy…
Related Guide
In the Wake of the Destruction
1st–7th Centuries