The Theory of Compensation ('Iwad) in Rabbanite and Karaite Thought: Animal Sacrifices, Ritual Slaughter and Circumcision

Abstract

At end of third book of his Kitab al-Amanat wal-Vtiqadat (Sefer ha-Emunot 'e-ha-DeotlThe Book of Belief s and Opinions),1 Rav Saadia Gaon (882-942) records twelve questions raised by people who might be considered precursors of modern biblical criticism. Some of queries relate to narrative portions of biblical text, e. g., contradictions between Samuel and Chronicles; and others concern legal prescriptions of Bible. The Gaon states that it is necessary to discuss these objections, because each one could possibly lead to heresy. When, however, these questions are explained correctly, the reign of error will be removed from [the doubters].3 The fourth question is as follows: Perhaps a doubter will raise a doubt concerning laws of sacrifices, both about slaughtering of animals and also shedding of blood and [burning of] fat. Saadia responds: I will make this matter understandable and say: Creator has decreed that every animal will die, and has given every human an allotted time of life, and He has made allotted times of life for animals until time of their slaughter, setting up slaughter in place of [natural] death. If there were in [act of] slaughter a greater pain than pain of [natural] death, [God] knows this; and therefore it is proper that He compensate animal for amount of pain that was greater than in [nat-