I always thought that the Essenes were non-Levitical Jews, which could make
them "non-Jews" to other intolerant sects of Judaism who follow Levitical/
Mosaic law...important but I doubt the only belief system/priesthood of
Judaism in ancient times.
This reminds me of what I experienced growing up in New York amongst the
Chasidim. Just because they disdained those of us who did not practice as
they
did, did not make us any less Jewish...only in their own eyes. Certainly my
own
grandparents were from the Ukraine and were Orthodox Jews, and belonged to
organizations which helped to make Israel an independent state. Sadly, this
was
not acknowledged by my neighbors and we were put on the defense by their
judgment. We were every bit as Jewish as they were...born Jews as well.
If I am misunderstanding the discussion, please correct me.
Barb Leger
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> It seems to me that Josephus' statement that the Essenes are Jewish
> simply indicates that he lifted his material on the Essenes from a source
> intended for a non-Jewish audience, one for which it would be necessary to
> explain that Essenes are a branch of Jews.
>
> Best regards,
> Russell Gmirkin
> For private reply, e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
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