Guide of the Perplexed: On Prayer

In these controversial passages from the Guide III:32, Maimonides presents a historical perspective on divine worship. He argues that the institution of sacrifices was a concession to the idolatrous society of ancient Israel, introduced to ensure that the Jews would abandon their old practices. Maimonides’ perspectives on religious training and human development are strikingly insightful, although many felt that he devalued the biblical rituals.