Bodily Signs of Penitence in the Book of Baruch

In Second Temple Judaism great importance is attributed to penitence and the confession of sins. In this period we observe the development of the socalled “penitential prayers.” In this study on the Book of Baruch we intend to examine some expressions of penitence, particularly ones where the emphasis is on the state of the body. The decision to focus on this aspect is motivated by the close connection existing between penitence/prayer and the body of the worshipper/penitent. In the biblical mentality the notion of the body is one of the key aspects of revelation and salvation. Texts which we shall consider are: Bar 1:5; 2:18; 4:20.