Pilgrimage and sanctuary: theological reflections on the Hebrew Bible

Abstract

One of the main historical and religious antecedents of contemporary religious tourism is pilgrimage. Indeed, the millenarian practice of pilgrimage is particularly significant in Jewish tradition. The present article aims at exploring the theological contours of pilgrimage in the context of the Hebrew Bible, more specifically in the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms. In order to accomplish this goal, the study follows a bibliographical methodology, taking into account the concepts of time, space, and liminality in its reflection. Hence, the article begins with the identification of pilgrimage patterns in Genesis’ patriarchal narratives. Then, the study explores the paradigm of pilgrimage in the narrative of Exodus. Finally, the article discusses the pilgrimage festivals and the liturgical use of Psalms. The conclusions of the present study highlight the spiritual quality of pilgrimage in the Jewish tradition, whose climax is the religious experience of God in the temple. Overall, the theological tradition of pilgrimage in the Hebrew Bible serves as the basis for contemporary spiritual experiences, where life as whole is interpreted in terms of pilgrimage.