Guide
The Origins of Judean Sectarianism
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
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By Carol Bakhos
Related Primary Sources
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Lifestyle and Beliefs
The Essenes, who are native Jews, are particularly known for their high-minded discipline, and they are a closer-knit community than the others. They…
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The Essene Settlement West of the Dead Sea
On the west side of the Dead Sea, but out of range of the noxious exhalations of the coast, is the solitary tribe of the Essenes, which is remarkable beyond all the other tribes in the whole world, as…
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Qumran (Aerial View)
The site of Qumran was occupied from ca. 100 BCE to 68 CE by members of a Jewish sect, who deposited the texts known as the Dead Sea Scrolls in caves surrounding the site. The caves, located in steep…
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Simplicity, Pacifism, and Virtue
Palestinian Syria, too, has not failed to produce high moral excellence. In this country live a considerable part of the very populous nation of the Jews, including as it is said, certain persons…
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The Rule of the Community
[ . . . ] All those who submit freely to his truth will convey all their knowledge, their strength, and their property to the Community of…
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The Damascus Document
And now, listen, all those who know justice, and understand the actions of God; for he has a dispute with all flesh and will carry out judgment on all those who spurn him. For when they…