What is the Purpose of Ritual Ablutions in Ancient Judaism?

Abstract

The interfacing of Ritual and Jewish Studies helps significantly to analyze the processes of ritual ablutions and its meanings. In the case of Second Temple Judaism ablutions carry a rich density of meaning. They often functioned as a means of protecting sanctuaries and their sancta and also marked social boundaries. For several Jewish authors of this period, ablutions symbolize the divine rejuvenation of the mortal, human being and dramatize a passage from death to life. On an experiential level, many Jews performed ablutions in order to facilitate access to God in anticipation of spiritual renewal and divine blessing.

Key Words: ritual, second temple Judaism, ablution, ritual studies