Aspects of the Bethel Cult Traditions in Second Temple Literature The importance of Bethel as a cultic center is reflected in biblical and postbiblical sources. This lecture examines Bethel-related traditions in Second Temple period sources and the cultic institutions associated with this site: temple, altar, and Tent of Meeting, noting in particular the strong link between Bethel and the investiture of Levi and the celebration of Sukkot. It concludes with an examination of the textual problems posed by Jubilees 32, in which Jacob's desire to build a temple at Bethel is rejected in an angelic vision. |