Religious Groups in Palestine Flashcards
1
Q
Pharisees
A
- Name taken from Aramaic ‘perisha’ (seperated one)
- Originated during the time of Hellenization (Aim was to preserve obedience of Law under threat of assimilation)
- Influential among ordinary Jews and dominated the synagogue.
- Believed that Written Law needed to be applied to new situations…
- Oral Law ‘Halakah’ developed: meaning laws had to be applied to everyday life.
2
Q
Sadduccees
A
- Potentially named from word ‘sadiq; which is hebrew for righteousness
- Traditional: beleived only in written law
- Rejected all beliefs about life after death
- Influential: High Priest and many members of the Sanhedrin were Sadducees.
3
Q
Zealots
A
- Josephus: referred to Zealots as the fourth Jewish philosophy and named their founder as Judas, a Galilean who led a revolt against Rome.
- Did not accept any ruler other than God.
- Wanted to end Roman rule and held contempt for those who accepted them.
4
Q
Essenes
A
- Often referred to as the ‘Pious Ones’
- Josephus: regarded them as important group numbering about 4,000
- Saw themselves as ‘Sons of Light’ awaiting a final battle with the power of Darkness.
- Hoped for a priestly Messiah who would restore purity to the Temple.
