Feb 26, 2018 By: stwersky

The Midrash[iv] explains that the Tabernacle was constructed in response to the incident of the Golden Calf[v] and was intended as atonement, at least in part[vi], for this grievous sin. While Rashi[vii] accepts the Midrashic point of view, not everyone agrees with its assertions[viii]. Maimonides, though, seems to share the Midrash’s basic approach. He notes the commandment to build the Temple[ix] and expresses[x] a philosophical perspective on the matter that is most provocative. Maimonides does not believe G-d commanded the construction of the Temple and the sacrificial service because of their intrinsic value as a method of worshipping G-d. Rather, it was a means of weaning the people from the pagan practices and sacrificial rituals, which had so infected them.