| Popis: |
This chapter surveys the evidence for widespread observance of the Pentateuchal ritual purity laws among first-century-CE Judeans, and seeks out the earliest evidence for such observance prior to the turn of the Common Era. A remarkable set of both textual and archaeological evidence suggests widespread adherence to the ritual purity laws in the first century CE. Archaeological evidence for observance of the purity rules at this time includes ritual immersion pools and chalk vessels. A significant amount of evidence indicates that these rules were being followed, discussed, and debated in the first century BCE and perhaps also in the second century BCE. Prior to the second century BCE, there is no evidence which demonstrates that Judeans knew of—let alone practiced—anything closely resembling the Pentateuchal system of ritual purity laws. Lacking earlier evidence, the second century BCE is our terminus ante quem for the beginning of widespread Judean observance of the ritual purity practices enshrined in the Torah. |
