Bibliography
| Title: The significance of graded temple space. The Temple of Herod model Type: Generic Year: 1992 Abstract: "The gradational qualities of the temple of Herod and their connection to the hierarchical organization of Israelite society are a unique statement of the relationship between Deity and humanity. The purpose of this work is to uncover the symbolic function of Israelite temple space and architecture, as expressed in the Temple of Herod. After a review of the architectural plans and spatial layout of several Israelite temples, it was determined that the Israelite ideological temple possessed a number of graded divisions, possessing a holiest center, a cultically unclean periphery, and gradations in between. According to the gradational maps outlined in M. Kelim 1:6-9, M. Middot, and other sources of period, the Temple of Herod possessed eleven graded zones of holiness. The goal of graded space was to present a holiest zone for Deity, which was far away, in terms of both height and distance, from profane and corruptible space, persons, and objects. The Jewish sages of the Second Temple period held specific notions regarding the demarcative qualities of sacred/profane space. Well-defined borders - the temple's walls, fences, gates, veils, and flagfane. In this manner, pollution was compelled to exist outside of the temple domain. Aerial space above the temple was conceived by the rabbis to possess sacral qualities, whereas the subterranean areas of the temple were considered to be profane. Humanity, like the zones of the temple, was also graded and stratified. The socio-religious stratification or religious territorialization of Israelite society into different zones upon the Temple Mount was given great consideration by the Jewish authorities of the era. The temple's architectural forms encouraged the socio-religious stratification process. Those who entered sacred space were required to participate in a rite of approach, i.e., removal of shoes, washing the hands, or a ritual bath. Similar to temple space and humanity, the rites of approach were also graded." Keywords: Archaeology, topography, local and regional history |