Candidate Preparation

what is the historical origin of the candidate's posture upon entering the lodge in craft masonry

Masonic scholarship traces the candidate's preparation and posture upon entry to ancient religious customs and symbolic instruction. Mackey highlights a historical parallel with the Talmudic treatise Baracoth, which laid down strict rules for Israelites entering the Temple for worship—prohibiting entry with shoes, outer garments, money, or a staff—noting that Masonic preparation mirrors these ancient Jewish ritual requirements.

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