Essenes

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.

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

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Wikidata facts

Image: QumranLivingQuarters.jpg

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Commons category: Essenes
inception: 0200-00-00
dissolved, abolished or demolished date: 0100-00-00
P8168: Clan Fergusson

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Article

13 sections

Contents

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.