Abstract
This article focuses on the burning of incense in synagogues subsequent to the destruction of the temple, in commemoration of the incense formerly used in the temple rites. We hear about the implementation of this custom in Samaritan and Rabbinic synagogues only several centuries after the destruction of the Samaritan and Jewish Temples. The Samaritans still burn incense in their synagogues at certain times, but among Rabbinic Jews the custom came to an end, probably in the Middle Ages. Burning incense in the synagogue was a point of controversy between the Karaites and the Rabbinic Jews. The Karaites argued that acts involving burning incense and lighting candles are only appropriate for the Temple and their status is like that of sacrifices or offerings that are limited to this complex. It may have been that the rabbinic custom discontinued as a result of the strict Karaite objections to this custom for concern of idolatry. In fact, burning incense in commemoration of the Temple indeed ceased, but this practice remained in evidence until the 19th century for purposes of conveying respect or on festive occasions.
Highlights
The use of aromatic substances in ritual settings is a common practice in religions around the world, from ancient times to the present
As far as we know, burning incense in Rabbinic synagogues in commemoration of the destruction was only practiced within the Land of Israel
We hear about the implementation of this custom in Samaritan and Rabbinic synagogues only several centuries after the destruction of the Samaritan and Jewish Temples
Summary
The use of aromatic substances in ritual settings is a common practice in religions around the world, from ancient times to the present. He writes about the abominable customs of the rabbis: And it is right to elaborate and embellish them [= the synagogues] in sanctity and purity and to honor them: but it is not right nor worthy of God to burn incense there or to light candles and oil lamps and torches at present and to say these are for God [...] as all these and similar acts were appropriate for the Temple of God but not in our times [...] because the place is not sacred, and the rites are not sacred, and the person making the sacrifice is foreign and not sacred, and the oil is impure and unholy [...] all of this is not desirable to God today, similar to all things holy: incense and candles and oil lamps and torches and offerings and sacrifices and all burning of incense.
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