The Jewish Religious and Political Groups

Study Guide > The Jewish Religious and Political Groups

University of San Carlos - Main Campus REED 01 Sadducees, a social class which was closely associated with Zadok, belonged to the wealthy priestly and influential families occupying political positions. From their circle, the high priests were chosen. The Sadducees were very conservative in religious matters (they accepted only the Torah) but liberal in politics (th ...[Show More]

University of San Carlos - Main Campus
REED 01
Sadducees, a social class which was closely associated with Zadok, belonged to the wealthy priestly and influential families occupying political positions. From their circle, the high priests were chosen. The Sadducees were very conservative in religious matters (they accepted only the Torah) but liberal in politics (they were willing to compromise with people holding power in order to preserve their status). They strictly observed temple worship during the Sabbath and rejected the oral tradition, denied the existence of angels and devils, as well as the resurrection of the dead, personal immortality and recompense beyond the grave. Pharisees, a religious sect which probably originated from the Hasidim group, were known as “the separated ones” (Hebrew: p’rushim) due to their exact and detailed knowledge of the Mosaic Law (both written and oral). Their members came from the middle class: the scribes and devout laymen. They were considered as champions of the Torah due to their withdrawal from political activity. They were conservative in politics (no compromise with people in power) and progressive in religious matters (created an extensive oral commentary on the Law for the people to live it more fully). They saved Judaism from extinction by restructuring it after the destruction of the Temple and its cult. They took pride in their knowledge and observance of the law which oftentimes led them to self-righteousness. Among others, they believed in the resurrection of the dead, the judgment after death, the existence of spirits and angels; furthermore, they stressed God’s providence and human freedom. Zealots, an anti-Roman party, were Jewish fanatics who combined religion and nationalism. Being extremely nationalistic, they fought against foreign oppressors, opposed census and taxes, assassinated the Romans and punished Jewish collaborators. For them, Jewish independence would only be possible through a military overthrow of their oppressors, the

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