Jewish History with Rabbi Dr. Dovid Katz The Rambam and his different discourses on korbanos and other matters: Part 1
Apr 21, 2025
Explore the Rambam's evolving views on sacrifices and the shift towards prayer in the wake of the Temple's destruction. Dive into the philosophical critiques surrounding excessive sacrificial practices and the nature of divine service. Discover how the discussions of korbanos reflect social dynamics, emphasizing centralization and the professionalization of religious rituals, and how this impacts community engagement in Jewish tradition.
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Korbanos as Developmental System
- The Rambam sees korbanos as a developmental religious system reflecting human nature's gradual spiritual growth.
- Korbanos replaced idolatrous practices to ease people into the true faith, respecting their nature's limits.
Centralized Korbanos Limit Worship
- The prohibition to offer korbanos anywhere but the Temple limits their frequency and prevents fetishization of sacrifices.
- This centralization weans Jews away from korbanos as the primary worship, emphasizing prayer and devotion.
God Adapts to Human Nature
- The Rambam views God's guidance as adaptive, changing plans to fit human capability and nature.
- God does not override human nature but leads people gradually toward spiritual goals.