Weaning Away from Idolatry: Maimonides on the Purpose of Ritual Sacrifices

This essay explores Maimonides’ explanation of the Bible’s rationale behind ritual sacrifices, namely to help wean Jews away from idolatrous rites. After clearly elucidating stance on topic, this examines his view different angles with various possible precedents in earlier rabbinic literature for such an understanding. The also shows why other Jewish commentators objected understanding and how Maimonides might respond those critiques. Additionally, situates sacrifices within broader worldview commandments general as serving a counterweight rituals.