When Judaism's most ancient ways no longer seem relevant, usually it's because modern life so fundamentally shifted that their language and symbolism simply don't resonate. If they don't make sense to our modern sensibilities, naturally we discount or dismiss their relevance. The rituals of installing the Kohein Gadol (High Priest of Israel) are a prime example. The Kohein Gadol's ancient functions no longer affect most moderns, so their symbols seem utterly foreign. But even a surface gaze into our ancient past reflects back images we might recognize – the head and heart of service, the ground on which we walk, even our very own selves. |
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