Impurity Laws Flashcards
What does Leviticus 11-15 primarily deal with?
Various matters that can cause impurity
What renders a person “unfit” to approach the altar?
Impurity OR Uncleanness
though not in itself a sinful state
How can all unavoidable defilement be removed?
Through ritual action
The 2nd Temple in Judaism had a tendency to do what?
To insist on stricter standards in everyday life
What laws are viewed as “always” important?
Dietary
Where are the most elaborate laws found?
Leviticus 11
How did traditional orthodox view the laws?
As the inscrutable will of God (no explanation needed)
What did Middle Ages Jewish interpreter Maimonides argue?
Forbidden animals were carriers of disease:
Ex.: Pig carries trichinosis
Which animals are bred for the purpose to be eaten?
Cattle
Sheep
Goats
Why is the pig excluded from being eaten?
Pigs are disgusting
What is the ONLY rationale given in Leviticus?
Israelite’s should NOT be defiled, but be HOLY because the Lord is holy
What is the purpose of the holiness code in Leviticus 17-26?
Remedy the lack in older laws
What is the primary attribute of God?
Holiness
Why are the Israelite’s considered holy?
They observe a distinct set of laws that separate them from humanity
In what way was a person considered “abnormal”?
If they had bodily (physical) defects
