Ep 20. Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness

The Naked Archaeologist is a documentary-style show hosted by archaeologist Simcha Jacobovici that explores the historical and cultural context of various artifacts and sites from around the world. In season 2 episode 20, titled "Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness," Jacobovici delves into the concept of cleanliness and its importance in various religions and cultures throughout history.

The episode begins with Jacobovici in the ancient city of Qumran, located on the shores of the Dead Sea. Qumran is the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which include some of the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible. Jacobovici shows viewers the communal bathhouse that was used by the Essenes, the religious sect believed to have produced the Dead Sea Scrolls. He explains that cleanliness was a central part of their religious practice, and that they believed in immersing themselves in water as a means of ritual purification.

Jacobovici then travels to Jerusalem to explore the history of the Jewish mikveh, which is a ritual bath used for purification purposes. He interviews Rabbi Yitzchak Breitowitz, who explains that the concept of cleanliness in Judaism is closely tied to holiness. Breitowitz shows Jacobovici a mikveh that dates back to the Second Temple period, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

Jacobovici then turns his attention to Christianity, explaining that the act of baptism is a form of ritual purification that symbolizes a person's cleansing from sin. He visits the Jordan River, where it is believed that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. He also interviews Father Tony Scannell, a Catholic priest, who explains the meaning behind the Christian ritual of foot-washing, which is performed during Holy Week.

Next, Jacobovici travels to the city of Amritsar in northern India to explore the role of cleanliness in Sikhism. He visits the Golden Temple, which is the holiest site in Sikhism, and observes the daily practice of washing and cleaning the temple. He also interviews Dr. Rajwant Singh, the chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, who explains the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in Sikhism.

Finally, Jacobovici concludes the episode by examining the role of cleanliness in Islam. He visits the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, one of the holiest sites in Islam, and explains the importance of ritual washing before prayer. He also interviews Imam Muhammad Hussein, who provides an overview of Islamic ritual washing and the concept of cleanliness in Islam.

Throughout the episode, Jacobovici makes connections between the different religions and cultures he explores, highlighting the common thread of cleanliness and its importance in promoting spiritual purity and holiness. He also explores the ways in which the concept of cleanliness has evolved over time and varied across different cultures and religious traditions. Overall, "Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness" offers a fascinating look at the historical and cultural significance of hygiene and cleanliness.