Jewish worship in Philo of Alexandria

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Philo of Alexandria's insights into worship during the later Second Temple period are particularly significant. Jutta Leonhardt explores his perspectives on Jewish festivals, notably the Sabbath, as well as prayer, psalms, hymns, praise, thanksgiving, and Temple offerings, sacrifices, and purification rites. These elements are examined alongside parallels in Jewish and pagan traditions, as well as Greek and Hellenistic philosophy. Unlike previous studies that focused on isolated aspects of worship or used Philo's work as a source for general examples, this analysis presents Jewish worship in Philo as a cohesive whole. Although Philo actively engaged in Jewish worship and was familiar with various traditions, his writings do not directly reference them, making it challenging to reconstruct the rituals of his time. His primary focus is on the rites outlined in the Mosaic Torah, which he views as binding for all Jews. He often employs terminology from pagan cults and interprets these laws through the lens of Greek philosophy. In doing so, Philo draws parallels to Plato's discussions of religion in the ideal state. Ultimately, he portrays Judaism as the pinnacle of Hellenistic cults, synthesizing elements from various pagan practices into a sublime form that embodies the worship of the one God who created the universe.