Pharisees

The Pharisees were a Jewish social movement and a school of thought. They lived in the Levant during the era of Second Temple Judaism.

Their name likely comes from the Aramaic word *perushim*. This term means "set apart" or "separated." This separation might refer to their distance from Gentiles. It could also mean they stayed apart from unreligious Jews. Some scholars suggested the name meant "Persianizer." However, most modern scholars agree the name means "separated." This identity defined their specific approach to religious life.

The Pharisees were defined by their unique interpretation of Jewish law. They believed in the importance of the Oral Torah. This was a body of spoken traditions. They believed these traditions were given at Mount Sinai alongside the Written Torah. This allowed them to apply ancient laws to daily life. They also believed purity laws must be followed outside the Temple. This was a major difference from other groups. They believed religious duty belonged in every home, not just the Temple.

Conflicts often arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. These two groups represented different social and religious paths. The Sadducees were often part of the wealthy, aristocratic elite. They represented the authority of the priestly class. In contrast, the Pharisees were more popular with common people. They were often described as more democratic and eclectic. They also disagreed on how to interpret the Torah. For example, they debated the phrase "an eye for an eye." The Pharisees believed a person should pay the monetary value of an eye. The Sadducees held a more literal view of the law.

The history of the Pharisees is tied to many political changes. They emerged from the group of scribes and sages. They became active around the middle of the 2nd century BC. This was during the Hasmonean dynasty. The Hasmoneans were leaders who resisted the Seleucid Empire. However, the Pharisees did not always support Hasmonean expansion. A political rift grew after a Pharisee named Eleazar insulted John Hyrcanus. This insult involved rumors about the leader's birth. In response, the ruler distanced himself from the Pharisaic group.

Historians provide specific details about the scale of this movement. The Jewish-Roman historian Josephus wrote about them in the 1st century AD. He believed there were about 6,000 followers before the Temple fell. Josephus was likely a Pharisee himself. He noted that their influence over the public was immense. Anything they said against the king or high priest was believed. This shows how much the common people trusted their guidance. They were seen as the most expert expositors of Jewish law.

A massive turning point occurred in 70 AD. This was when the Second Temple was destroyed. This event changed the structure of Jewish life forever. Without the Temple, the Pharisaic way of life became essential. Their beliefs became the basis for Rabbinic Judaism. Around 200 AD, Judah ha-Nasi helped redact the Mishnah. The Mishnah was an authoritative codification of Pharisaic interpretations. It compiled oral traditions into a single written text. This allowed their ideas to survive the loss of the Temple.

The legacy of the Pharisees remains very significant today. They are considered the progenitors of mainstream Rabbinic Judaism. Most modern Jewish religious movements see themselves as heirs to this tradition. Their focus on study and oral tradition shaped the faith. Even though the specific movement no longer exists, their influence persists. They helped transition Judaism from a Temple-centered religion to one based on study. This transition ensured the survival of Jewish culture through many centuries. Their historical role connects the ancient world to modern religious practice.