Mitzvot Eyn Tzerikhot Kavvanah: The Radical Reconceptualization of Ritual

This article traces the path from the Mishnaic position requiring intention in the performance of individual rituals to its antithesis in the late anonymous strata, which categorically rejects the necessity of intention. It describes how mitzvot ein zerihot kavvanah is introduced by the redactors to explain the underlying rational behind a particular ruling of Rava, then assumes its own independent status. In its final form, it is invoked as a legal principle to clarify disputes having no direct relevance to the issue of intention. The latter half of the article seeks to understand Rava's position with regard to ritual, and offers an analysis of his rulings within the framework of Zoroastrian and Christian texts, as well as ritual theory, in order to shed light on Rava's view concerning the need for intention in ritual fulfillment vs. religious/tort violations.