Religious Groups in Palestine (Recap) Flashcards

1
Q

Describe the Sadducees

A
  • priestly noblemen of the Temple
  • took charge of the Temple & its finances
  • believed only in written law
  • rejected oral law
  • allied with Romans in order to maintain their social status
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2
Q

Describe the Pharisees

A
  • dominated the synagogue
  • held significance among citizens as the Jews would visit the synagogue more frequently than the Temple (which was more a place of pilgrimage)
  • far more Pharisees than Sadducees
  • more open of accepting oral law as well as written law
  • rivalled the Romans but didn’t join in active conflict
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3
Q

Describe the Zealots

A
  • revolted against Rome
  • resistant to Roman occupation
  • their revolt against Rome between 66 & 70 CR had disastrous effects for the Jewish nation
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4
Q

Describe the Essenes

A
  • lived in a monastic (monks/nuns) community in close proximity to the Dead Sea, they dedicated their lives to a strict lifestyle of studying of the Law
  • they were segregated from a typical life & gave up all of their wealth once they joined
  • all admittants required to take part in a two year probation before they could be admitted
  • the Dead Sea Scrolls were created & hidden by this group during the time of crisis
  • the community came to an end in 68 CE when they were overrun by the Romans
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5
Q

Describe the People of the Land

A
  • most Jews during this period of time did not belong to one of these religious groups & were just known as “the people of the land”
  • they were looked down upon because of their more relaxed approach to observance of the
    Law
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