Pharisees

Definition

The Pharisees were a Jewish sect that emerged during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. They played a significant role in the religious and social life of Judea under Roman rule, emphasizing purity laws and the interpretation of Jewish scripture, which laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pharisees emphasized the importance of both written and oral Torah, believing that interpretations and traditions were vital for understanding God's law.
2. They believed in concepts like resurrection, angels, and an afterlife, setting them apart from other sects like the Sadducees who rejected these beliefs.
3. During Roman rule, Pharisees sought to maintain Jewish identity and practices in a time of significant cultural pressure from Hellenism and later Roman governance.
4. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, Pharisaic teachings formed the foundation of Rabbinic Judaism, which became dominant in Jewish life.
5. Pharisees often clashed with Jesus in the New Testament accounts, as they represented a religious authority that focused on law adherence, which was challenged by Jesus' message of compassion and reinterpretation of those laws.

Review Questions

• How did the Pharisees' interpretation of Jewish law differ from that of other contemporary groups like the Sadducees?
  • The Pharisees differed from the Sadducees primarily in their approach to Jewish law. While the Pharisees emphasized both the written Torah and oral traditions, believing that interpretations were essential for living out God's commandments, the Sadducees focused strictly on the written Torah. This fundamental difference led to varied practices regarding purity laws and beliefs about concepts such as resurrection and angels, which were largely accepted by Pharisees but rejected by Sadducees.
• Discuss the impact of Roman rule on the practices and beliefs of the Pharisees during their existence.
  • Under Roman rule, the Pharisees adapted their practices to maintain Jewish identity amidst cultural pressures from Hellenism and Roman governance. They focused on community gatherings and synagogues as centers for teaching and maintaining religious observance rather than relying solely on temple worship. This shift helped preserve Jewish traditions and established a framework that would later support Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple.
• Evaluate how the teachings of the Pharisees contributed to the development of Rabbinic Judaism after 70 CE, especially in relation to their views on law and tradition.
  • The teachings of the Pharisees were pivotal in shaping Rabbinic Judaism following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Their emphasis on oral tradition alongside written law allowed for a more flexible interpretation of Judaism that could adapt to changing circumstances without a central temple. This adaptability was crucial as it enabled Jews to maintain their faith through synagogue worship and study rather than sacrificial rites. The framework laid by Pharisaic thought became foundational for future generations, guiding legal discussions within the Talmud and influencing Jewish practice for centuries.

Related terms

Sadducees: A Jewish sect that was contemporary with the Pharisees, known for their elite status, rejection of oral traditions, and strict adherence to the written Torah.

Rabbinic Judaism: The form of Judaism that developed after the destruction of the Second Temple, heavily influenced by Pharisaic teachings and centered around the interpretation of the Torah and Talmud.

Second Temple: The Jewish holy temple that stood in Jerusalem from 516 BCE until its destruction in 70 CE by the Romans, serving as a center for Jewish worship and practice.