I have heard that it is forbidden to bring a sacrifice to HaShem anywhere on Earth other than the Bait HaMikdash. But what about space? Other planets, say Mars?
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1Where did you hear this?– Double AA ♦Commented May 22, 2015 at 2:38
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1I think I have heard it at several times in many places over the years. judaism.stackexchange.com/a/8884/2177– הראלCommented May 22, 2015 at 2:41
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2That answer says nothing about Earth specifically.– Double AA ♦Commented May 22, 2015 at 2:50
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9I thought this question was going to be about sacrificing aliens.– Y e zCommented May 22, 2015 at 3:10
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1Where do we find the Issur being about Earth? The Issur is outside of the Beis Hamikdash. On the other hand,I guess ירושלים של מעלה is permitted. Doesn't it say that מיכאל המלאך brings Karbanos up there?– HaLeiViCommented May 22, 2015 at 18:49
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3 Answers
While I cannot say for sure without checking it up I believe the halachah is once the beis hamikdish was built one is not allowed to bring a sacrifice anywhere else; on this planet or on another.
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4Unfortunately, although you may be right, this answer is less valuable than the question (which is valuable only for entertainment and wild speculation).– Seth JCommented May 22, 2015 at 13:35
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@seth j assuming sciencetific progress continues after moshiach comes it won't be a irrelevant question. Several nations have plans to have a moon colony by 2030 so it would become relevant.– mrollCommented May 22, 2015 at 20:09
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That wouldn't transform this answer into a higher quality answer, nor the question into a higher quality question. Edits to each would do that.– Seth JCommented May 22, 2015 at 21:51
Actually, for a Jew it is forbidden to sacrifice outside the Temple. But if a non-Jew would try to make a sacrifice to the Creator of Universe anywhere, a Jew is obligated to instruct him or her on how to do it. Talmud Zevachim 116b. Rambam Maaseh Hakorbanot 19:16. So says R. Ovadia MiBartenura in the commentary to Zevachim as well.
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"outside the temple" does that mean you can be in geostationary orbit over the temple and be ok to sacrifice? Commented Jul 29 at 11:19
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@magicker72 if you are not Jewish, why not, as long if you follow the rules. I.e. have altar, kosher animal, proper slaughter, etc.– Y DJCommented Jul 29 at 11:22
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For a Jew, might that not be considered inside the temple still? You're within the walls, as such. Commented Jul 29 at 11:28
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@magicker72 מקום פטור. The earth rotates. Otherwise we will have to claim reshus hayachid on asteroids and comets that pass.– Y DJCommented Jul 29 at 11:34
I just want to begin by saying, that your question is incredibly enchanting! You really have my imagination going on this one.
Now, are the people making the offering Human? Maybe they can...maybe they can't. We are not in the position to say for sure whether or not that would be acceptable that far into the future. However, as things stand currently, the answer is simply no.
But, in the future, when humans have expanded beyond this planet, and colonized others, prophets may emerge on those planets that are shown a place there, where God desires to dwell among his children. And in that place, maybe a temple will be built, where offerings will be brought.
God is one, and also limitless and unbounded. He may dwell on any number of planets he chooses, at the same time, unlimited to even the smallest speck of dust floating in the abyss of nothingness.
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A charming answer to a charming question but neither is really in the mode of Mi Yodeya - unsourced speculation etc. It may very well be that the halachah is that after the beis hamikdash was built korbanot may not be brought anywhere else at all - on earth or elsewhere - but a source to say that (or the reverse) is what is required.– Edward BCommented Jul 29 at 2:12