Editing Openai/68cb1119-3ba8-800a-9fe6-77c5599d54ad (section)

=== Here are some of the more suggestive facts / analogies that could feed the idea that LDS was, in part, crafted or influenced deeply by Jewish tradition or interests. ===
# Joseph Smith’s Formal Study of Hebrew - In 1835‑1836, Joseph Smith studied Hebrew in Kirtland under a teacher named Joshua Seixas. Religious Studies Center<ref>{{cite web|title=Religious Studies Center|url=https://rsc.byu.edu/approaching-antiquity-joseph-smith-ancient-world/word-lord-original-joseph-smiths-study-hebrew-kirtland|publisher=Religious Studies Center|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref> - This study coincided with translation/production of portions of LDS scripture (notably the Book of Abraham). From the Desk<ref>{{cite web|title=From the Desk|url=https://www.fromthedesk.org/10-questions-matthew-grey/|publisher=From the Desk|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref> - The scholar Matthew Grey notes that Joseph incorporated Hebrew vocabulary (transliterated) into the later parts of the Book of Abraham, especially in facsimile explanations and in the creation account in Abraham chapters 4‑5. Interpreter Foundation Journal<ref>{{cite web|title=Interpreter Foundation Journal|url=https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/joseph-smith-jr-as-a-translator-the-book-of-abraham-as-a-case-study/|publisher=Interpreter Foundation Journal|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref>
# Temples with Strong Symbolic Parallels to Jewish Temple Ideas - Modern LDS temples have rooms like “Holy of Holies,” “Celestial Room,” “Garden Room,” etc., which mirror, in symbol at least, some functions or spaces in Solomon’s Temple. For example, the “creation room” and “garden room” mirror the Eden/Garden concept; the celestial rooms mirror divine presence. Religious Studies Center<ref>{{cite web|title=Religious Studies Center|url=https://rsc.byu.edu/eye-faith/solomons-temple-compared-salt-lake-temple|publisher=Religious Studies Center|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref> - The Salt Lake Temple and other LDS temples include symbolism tied to the twelve tribes of Israel (e.g. twelve oxen supporting the baptismal font in some temples) Religious Studies Center<ref>{{cite web|title=Religious Studies Center|url=https://rsc.byu.edu/eye-faith/solomons-temple-compared-salt-lake-temple|publisher=Religious Studies Center|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref>
# Use of Hebrew Words & Grammar Tools - Joseph Smith, after studying Hebrew, used terms like shaumahyeem (“heavens”), raukeeyang, kokaubeam etc. in his translated scripture (Abraham) that reflect the Hebrew grammar system he was learning. Interpreter Foundation Journal<ref>{{cite web|title=Interpreter Foundation Journal|url=https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/joseph-smith-jr-as-a-translator-the-book-of-abraham-as-a-case-study/|publisher=Interpreter Foundation Journal|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref> - The appearance of Hebrew terminology and transliteration in LDS scripture provides a bridge between LDS texts and Jewish linguistic tradition. It’s the sort of thing a theorist might say shows a hidden hand or inspiration. Interpreter Foundation Journal<ref>{{cite web|title=Interpreter Foundation Journal|url=https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/joseph-smith-jr-as-a-translator-the-book-of-abraham-as-a-case-study/|publisher=Interpreter Foundation Journal|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref>
# Architecture & Ritual Parallels - The way LDS temples are structured: there is progression through rooms, symbolic use of creation imagery, covenant making, sealing ordinances — these echo ancient Israelite temple functions (though adapted). The Salt Lake Temple’s internal structure is compared to Solomon’s in LDS scholarship. Religious Studies Center<ref>{{cite web|title=Religious Studies Center|url=https://rsc.byu.edu/eye-faith/solomons-temple-compared-salt-lake-temple|publisher=Religious Studies Center|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref> - Other rituals/symbols (garments, sacred covenants, signs and tokens) show similarity with Jewish (and early Christian / Second Temple) ritual expression. FAIR<ref>{{cite web|title=FAIR|url=https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-1999/early-christian-and-jewish-rituals-related-to-temple-practices|publisher=fairlatterdaysaints.org|access-date=2025-12-20}}</ref>
# Theological Claims of Israel, Covenants, Gathering etc. - LDS theology continuously emphasizes that the Jews remain God’s chosen people, that Israel is still in covenant, and that Gentile members are adopted into Israel (via spiritual lineage). - The doctrine of gathering of Israel is central, often linked in prophecy to the coming of the Messiah, the restoration of sacred places, temple in Jerusalem etc. Those are all themes that overlap strongly with Jewish messianic / restoration expectations.