Published: 2008-06-30

Jom Kippur – an Attempt to Find Its Origins

Sylwester Jędrzejewski
Seminare. Learned Investigations
Section: Theology
https://doi.org/10.21852/sem.2008.25.08

Abstract

The penitential rite, describe in the Book of Leviticus, was performed in the earliest, ahistorical stage of development of the chosen nation. This rite was practised in the Salomon’s Temple and in local churches as well. Originally (Nb 28-29), there was no name for the rite, however the calling of assemblies is known in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month. Definitively, the biblical scene of the penitential rite is presented in the Book of Leviticus (Lv 16). It is supposed that, the after-deportation text of Leviticus (chapter 16) is a sacerdotal halachic midrash of previous text (Lv 23; 26-32), which is based on different texts (Nb 28-29 and Ex 30). The whole text was supplemented with a penitential rite from the deportation time. Yet, the origin of the annual penitential rite remains unknown. If we acknowledge that the interpretation of the rite has survived throughout the centuries in apocryphal theology, then we can associate its origin with annual penitential rite of seminomadic Hebrew tribes. Hence, we can connect the feast with a hope of fulfillment the promise made by God with Abraham.

Keywords:

Yom Kippur, penance, priestly tradition, propitiation, Azazel, literature apocryphal

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Jędrzejewski , S. (2008). Jom Kippur – an Attempt to Find Its Origins. Seminare. Learned Investigations, 25, 95–110. https://doi.org/10.21852/sem.2008.25.08

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