Essenes
Sign in to saveThe Essenes (; Hebrew: , ; Greek: , , or , ) or Essenians were a mystic Jewish community during the Second Temple period that flourished from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE.
AI overview
The Essenes were a Jewish religious community that lived during the Second Temple period, roughly between the 2nd century BCE and 1st century CE, and were known for their mystical practices. They matter historically because they represent an important alternative form of Jewish spirituality during this era, offering insight into the diverse religious movements that existed in ancient Judaism.
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Key facts
- Political party.name
- Essenes, Essenians
- Political party.colorcode
- 22A0DD
- Political party.leader1_title
- Historical leader
- Political party.foundation
- 2nd century BCE
- Political party.dissolution
- 1st century CE
- Political party.headquarters
- Qumran (proposed)
- Political party.religion
- Judaism
- Political party.country
- Judea
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
13 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Location
- Rules, customs, theology, and beliefs
- Involvement in the First Jewish–Roman War
- Scholarly discussion
- Connection to other religious traditions
- Mandaeism
- Christianity
- Magarites
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
The Essenes (; Hebrew: , ; Greek: , , or , ) or Essenians were a mystic Jewish community during the Second Temple period that flourished from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE.
The Essene movement likely originated as a distinct group among Jews during Jonathan Apphus's time, driven by disputes over Jewish law and the belief that Jonathan's high priesthood was illegitimate. Most scholars think the Essenes seceded from the Zadokite priests. They attributed their interpretation of the Torah to their early leader, the Teacher of Righteousness, possibly a legitimate high priest. Embracing a conservative approach to Jewish law, they observed a strict hierarchy favoring priests (the Sons of Zadok) over laypeople, emphasized ritual purity, and held a dualistic worldview.