Dead Sea Scrolls Essay
The Pharisees were one of four (or five, if considering the Essenes and the Dead Sea Scrolls group two different sects) prominent ancient Judean sects that all existed between c. 140 BCE to 70 CE (Osterloh, Unit 16, Chart). The majority of information on the Pharisees comes from Josephus’ The Jewish War and Jewish Antiquities, as well as from books from the New Testament. In analyzing these primary sources, along with information from secondary sources, the question of who the Pharisees are can be answered. For the purpose of this essay, the Pharisees represent the continuation of Judaism. More so, the practices, ideals, perceptions and identity of the Pharisaic Judean sect lay the foundation for Rabbinic Judaism, and thus, the continued existence
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From Hyrcanus’ switch, three critical distinctions can be illustrated and utilized to see the difference in the two Judean sets. The first distinction is in relation to Schäfer’s quote above about the Sadducees and their contingent. Their contingent would have been relatively small in numbers and purposely isolated. This has been the practice of wealthy classes, not only in ancient Judea but throughout History and can even be seen today. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were almost the exact opposite due to the fact that their following was the majority of people living in Jerusalem and Judea. This is illustrated by Josephus who declares that “so great is their influence with the masses” (“Hyrcanus & the Sects,” Jewish Antiquities in CP, 139) and because of their “views, they are, as a matter of fact, extremely influential among the townsfolk (“The Fourth Philosophy,” Jewish Antiquities in CP, 143). This influence is critical to distinguish because the Pharisees had the popularity among the majority of Judeans in Judea, and this is where their power rested. This is furthered by Schäfer who declares that even Herod tried to stay out of the way of the Pharisees in light of their widespread influence (Schäfer, 97). Furthermore, “The Pharisees simplify their standard of living making no concession to luxury” declares Josephus (“The Fourth Philosophy,” Jewish Antiquities in CP, 143). Thus, wealth was not a power base for this sect like the Sadducees was. Their power base rested in their influence, and this influence is critical in allowing for the transition to the Rabbinic Class and Rabbinic
From Hyrcanus’ switch, three critical distinctions can be illustrated and utilized to see the difference in the two Judean sets. The first distinction is in relation to Schäfer’s quote above about the Sadducees and their contingent. Their contingent would have been relatively small in numbers and purposely isolated. This has been the practice of wealthy classes, not only in ancient Judea but throughout History and can even be seen today. The Pharisees, on the other hand, were almost the exact opposite due to the fact that their following was the majority of people living in Jerusalem and Judea. This is illustrated by Josephus who declares that “so great is their influence with the masses” (“Hyrcanus & the Sects,” Jewish Antiquities in CP, 139) and because of their “views, they are, as a matter of fact, extremely influential among the townsfolk (“The Fourth Philosophy,” Jewish Antiquities in CP, 143). This influence is critical to distinguish because the Pharisees had the popularity among the majority of Judeans in Judea, and this is where their power rested. This is furthered by Schäfer who declares that even Herod tried to stay out of the way of the Pharisees in light of their widespread influence (Schäfer, 97). Furthermore, “The Pharisees simplify their standard of living making no concession to luxury” declares Josephus (“The Fourth Philosophy,” Jewish Antiquities in CP, 143). Thus, wealth was not a power base for this sect like the Sadducees was. Their power base rested in their influence, and this influence is critical in allowing for the transition to the Rabbinic Class and Rabbinic