Pharisees
Introduction
The Pharisees were a prominent religious and political group in Second Temple Judaism that emerged during the late Second Temple period (516 BCE–70 CE). Known for their strict adherence to the Torah and their emphasis on oral tradition, the Pharisees played a crucial role in shaping Jewish religious practices and beliefs. This article delves into the origins, beliefs, practices, and historical significance of the Pharisees, offering a comprehensive and detailed examination of their role in Jewish history.
Origins and Historical Context
The origins of the Pharisees can be traced back to the Hasmonean period (140–37 BCE), a time of significant political and religious upheaval in Judea. The term "Pharisee" is derived from the Hebrew word "perushim," meaning "separated ones," which reflects their emphasis on ritual purity and separation from non-Jewish influences. The Pharisees emerged as a distinct group in opposition to the Sadducees, another influential sect that held different theological and political views.
The Pharisees were primarily composed of laymen and scribes who sought to democratize religious practices by making the Torah accessible to all Jews, not just the priestly elite. They believed that the oral traditions, later codified in the Mishnah and Talmud, were as authoritative as the written Torah. This belief in the oral law distinguished them from the Sadducees, who adhered strictly to the written Torah.
Beliefs and Doctrines
The Pharisees held several key beliefs that set them apart from other Jewish sects of their time. These beliefs included:
Resurrection and Afterlife
One of the most distinctive beliefs of the Pharisees was their conviction in the resurrection of the dead and the existence of an afterlife. This belief was in stark contrast to the Sadducees, who denied both the resurrection and the afterlife. The Pharisees' belief in the resurrection was rooted in their interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and was later elaborated upon in the Talmud.
Divine Providence and Free Will
The Pharisees believed in a balance between divine providence and human free will. They taught that while God has foreknowledge of all events and exercises control over the universe, humans still possess free will and are responsible for their actions. This belief in divine providence and free will was a central tenet of Pharisaic theology and influenced their ethical teachings.
Oral Law
The Pharisees placed great emphasis on the oral law, which they believed was given to Moses alongside the written Torah at Mount Sinai. This oral tradition was transmitted through generations and eventually codified in the Mishnah and Talmud. The oral law provided detailed interpretations and applications of the written Torah, covering various aspects of daily life, religious rituals, and legal matters.
Practices and Rituals
The Pharisees were known for their meticulous observance of religious practices and rituals. Some of the key practices included:
Sabbath Observance
The Pharisees were strict in their observance of the Sabbath, adhering to numerous regulations to ensure that the day was kept holy. They prohibited various forms of work and engaged in specific rituals and prayers to honor the Sabbath.
Dietary Laws
The Pharisees followed stringent kosher dietary laws, which dictated what foods could be eaten and how they should be prepared. These laws were based on the Torah and further elaborated upon in the oral tradition.
Purity Laws
Ritual purity was of paramount importance to the Pharisees. They observed various purity laws, including mikveh (ritual bathing) to maintain spiritual cleanliness. These practices were intended to separate them from impurity and ensure their fitness to participate in religious activities.
Influence and Legacy
The influence of the Pharisees extended beyond their own time, leaving a lasting impact on Jewish religious thought and practice. Their emphasis on the oral law and interpretation of the Torah laid the foundation for Rabbinic Judaism, which emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
Rabbinic Judaism
Rabbinic Judaism, which became the dominant form of Judaism after the fall of the Second Temple, was heavily influenced by Pharisaic teachings. The rabbis who shaped Rabbinic Judaism were often former Pharisees or influenced by Pharisaic traditions. The Mishnah and Talmud, central texts of Rabbinic Judaism, are products of this Pharisaic heritage.
Christian Perspectives
The Pharisees are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in a negative light. They are depicted as opponents of Jesus and criticized for their perceived legalism and hypocrisy. However, modern scholarship recognizes that these portrayals are influenced by the theological and polemical contexts of early Christianity and do not fully represent the historical Pharisees.