JEWISH DENOMINATIONS
Palestinian Judaism
(emerged during the Second Temple era)
tripod: (1) Torah/Law (2) Temple (3) the land/nation/people
Pharisees / “separate ones” / focus on strict observance of Torah/Law; “separate” from sin and ritual impurity; lay movement; prayer and almsgiving stressed; accepted Prophets and Writings along with Torah as inspired; Hillel (liberal), Shammai (conservative), Paul of Tarsus (became Christian); their teaching and practice closest to that of Jesus, although he rejected the legalism to which some were prone; focused on the synagogue [academy]; their rabbis will re-invent Judaism after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE
Sadducees / “Sadok/Zaddok” / focus on the Temple and priesthood; name from high priest Zaddokappointed by Solomon; most were priests and aristocrats; collaborated with Romans; only Torah is inspired; theologically conservative; controlled the Sanhedrin [ruling council]; they were the leaders most responsible for the trial and execution of Jesus; fade into the background after destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70CE
Essenes / ?? / focus on Temple and priesthood; believed God’s kingdom would arrive soon [apocalyptic sect]; priestly; founded by “the Teacher of Righteousness” who taught the Jerusalem priesthood was corrupt; live pure and holy lives in anticipation of coming judgment; many were celibate and lived in communities such as Qumran on the shores of the Dead Sea
[“The Dead Sea Scrolls” are their library]; expected three “anointed ones” when the end came – a priest, a prophet and a king; disappeared after 70 CE
Zealots / “nationalist fanatics” / focus on land/nation/people; despised Roman rule and fomented violence to overthrown them; founded by Judas of Galilee; Romans referred to them as “sicarii” [men with daggers]; Jesus had a least one disciple who had been associated with them – Simon the Zealot; in 66 CE they sparked the revolt that lead to the destruction of Jerusalem/Temple and the end of the kingdom of Judah
over
Rabbinic Judaism
(emerged after 70 CE’s destruction of Jerusalem and end of kingdom of Judah)
two legs of tripod (Temple, land) now gone – focus on Torah
Hasidic Jews (“Hasid” = pious) are Orthodox Jews from Eastern Europe; began in 18th century CE; distinctive dress & appearance such as men and boys with long side-locks; black clothing; Yiddish language; seek mystical union with G-d [famous leaders given title “Rebbe” (enlightened)]
Reform / attempt to modernize Judaism; began in early 19th century CE; do not consider all elements of Jewish Law binding (e.g. most do not keep kosher; will drive a car on Shabbat, etc.); accept modern Biblical critical exegesis; emphasis on the ethical teachings of Scripture, especially the Prophets; equality of sexes – mixed seating in synagogue; ordain women rabbis and cantors, etc.; synagogue referred to as temple
Conservative / begins early 20th century CE by immigrants arriving in USA from Eastern Europe; Reform Judaism too extreme; stress on maintaining traditional Hebrew worship and role of Law, but need to adapt and accommodate to modern times (most keep kosher, will drive to and from synagogue only on Shabbat; equality of sexes – some women rabbis and cantors, etc.
synagogue referred to as synagogue
The Way (Christianity)
Christianity / early followers of Jesus of Nazareth referred to themselves as followers of “The Way” [the word “Christian” will come into use in the early 2nd century CE in Syria]; continued to practice Judaism and held Eucharist meals on Sundays [day of Christ’s resurrection]; due to influx of Gentiles into the Jesus movement, difficulties arose because strict observance of Torah forbids eating with “impure” Gentiles; debate within the movement: do Gentiles have to convert to Judaism before being baptized? [Paul and others argue no, and eventually win the debate for a variety of reasons]; by the end of the 1st century CE, Jewish Christians are being expelled from synagogues in various cities; result – two new religious movements born after the demise of Palestinian Judaism, Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity