REL/JSP 302 Second Temple Judaism

Other Temples

Readings questions on Vanderkam 147-150, Schiffman 73-79; 130-33; 180-82; Elephantine letters (handout)

1. In what ways do these texts reflect similar attitudes towards the Jewish temples at Jerusalem, at Elephantine and at Leontopolis? In what ways are they different?
2. Is it correct to call the temple at Elephantine a “Jewish” temple? Why or why not?
3. Do the Elephantine letters give any indication as to what the Jerusalem authorities thought of the Elephantine temple?