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
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
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
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
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