Some have been saying that Yehuda Iscariot was a Karaite because of the name "Iscariot", however this would be most unlikely. There are a few theories on this and I put them here and my own conclusion as to what Yehuda Iscariot was in belief.
From Wikipedia
In the name of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, the epithet "Iscariot" is read by some scholars as a Hellenized transformation ofsicarius. The suffix "-ote" denotes membership or belonging to - in this case to the sicarii. This meaning is lost when the Gospels are translated intomodern Hebrew: Judas is rendered as "Ish-Kerayot," making him a man from the townships. Robert Eisenman presents the general view of secular historians (Eisenman p 179) in identifying him instead as "Judas the Sicarios". Most of the consonants and vowels tally—in Josephus, Sicarioi/Sicariōn; in the New Testament Iscariot. (Eisenman 1997 pp 179 etc)
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Sicarii (Latin plural of Sicarius 'dagger-' or later contract- killer) is a term applied, in the decades immediately preceding the destruction ofJerusalem in 70 CE, (probably) to an extremist splinter group[1] to the Jewish Zealots, (or insurgents) who attempted to expel the Romans and their partisans from Judea.
"When Albinus reached the city of Jerusalem, he bent every effort and made every provision to ensure peace in the land by exterminating most of the Sicarii."
—Josephus, Jewish Antiquities (xx.208)
The Sicarii resorted to terror to obtain their objective. Under their cloaks they concealed sicae, or small daggers, from which they received their name. At popular assemblies, particularly during the pilgrimage to the Temple Mount, they stabbed their enemies (Romans or Roman sympathizers, Herodians, and wealthy Jews comfortable with Roman rule), lamenting ostentatiously after the deed to blend into the crowd to escape detection. Literally, Sicarii meant "dagger-men".
The victims of the Sicarii included Jonathan the High Priest, though it is possible that his murder was orchestrated by the Roman governor Felix. Some of their murders were met with severe retaliation by the Romans on the entire Jewish population of the country. On some occasions, they could be bribed to spare their intended victims....
There is a theory that Yehuda Iscariot was a Sadducee, this is sample what is known about them.
The Hebrew name, Tsdoki, indicates that they are the followers of the teachings of the High Priest Tsadok, often spelled Zadok, who anointed Solomonking at the start of the First Temple Period. F. F. Bruce claims that this explanation is unlikely since they make their début in history as supporters of the Hasmonaean high priests. He therefore suggests that 'Sadducees' (Heb. צַדּוּקִים) is a Hebraization of the Greek word σύνδικοι sündikoi ('syndics', 'members of the council') and that it marks them out as the councillors of the Hasmonaeans; although they themselves came to associate the word with the Heb. צַדִּיק, 'righteous'.[1]
The Sadducees were a priestly group, Levites, associated with the leadership of the Temple in Jerusalem. Sadducees represented the aristocratic group of the Hasmonean High Priests, who replaced the previous High Priestly lineage. The earlier Priestly lineage had been blamed for allowing the Syrian Emperor Antiochus IV Epiphanes to desecrate the Temple of Jerusalem with idolatrous sacrifices and to martyr monotheistic Jews. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah celebrates the ousting of the Syrian forces, the rededication of the Temple, and the installment of the new Hasmonean priestly line. The Hasmoneans ruled as "priest-kings", claiming both titles high priest and king simultaneously, and like other aristocracies across the Hellenistic world became increasingly influenced by Hellenistic syncretism and Greek philosophies: presumably Stoicism, and apparently Epicureanism in the Talmudic tradition criticizing the anti-Torah philosophy of the "Apikorsus" אפיקורסוס (i.e., Epicurus) refers to the Hasmonean clan qua Sadducees. Like Epicureans, Sadducees rejected the existence of an afterlife, thus denied the Pharisaic doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead.
The Dead Sea Scrolls community, who are probably Essenes, were led by a high priestly leadership, who are thought to be the descendents of the "legitimate" high priestly lineage, which the Hasmoneans ousted. The Dead Sea Scrolls bitterly opposed the current high priests of the Temple. Since Hasmoneans constituted a different priestly line, it was in their political interest to emphasize their family's priestly pedigree that descended from their ancestor, the high priest Zadok, who had the authority to anoint the kingship of Solomon, son of David.
The Sadduccees rejected the Oral Torah(Talmud), which the Pharisees claimed to be a continuously passed down oral tradition which Moses received on Mount Sinai as a companion and elucidation of the Written Torah (Five Book of Moses). Instead they insisted on strict literal interpretation of the Five books of Moses, the Written Torah.
Most of what is known about the Sadducees comes from Josephus:
For there are three philosophical sects among the Jews. The followers of the first of which are the Pharisees; of the second, the Sadducees; and the third sect, which pretends to a severer discipline, are called Essenes...the Sadducees are those that compose the second order, and take away fate entirely, and suppose that God is not concerned in our doing or not doing what is evil; and they say, that to act what is good, or what is evil, is at men's own choice, and that the one or the other belongs so to every one, that they may act as they please. They also take away the belief of the immortal duration of the soul, and the punishments and rewards in Hades...The Sadducees one towards another is in some degree wild, and their conversation with those that are of their own party is as barbarous as if they were strangers to them.[2]
We know something of them from discussions in the Talmud (mainly the Jerusalem), the core work of rabbinic Judaism, which is based on the teachings of Pharisaic Judaism.
Sadducees followed the Hebrew Bible literally. They rejected the Pharisees' notion of an Oral Torah even before it was written (the written Oral Torah, the Talmud consisting of the Mishnahand Gemara which were completed by many Pharisee rabbis by 500 CE) by which the Pentateuch could be explained hermeneutically.
An example of this differing approach is the interpretation of the law of retribution (lex talionis):
And a man, when he maims his fellow, as he has done, so shall be done to him. A fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth—as he gives a wound in a man, so shall be given in him. (Leviticus 24:19-20)
Most Pharisees understood this to mean that the value of an eye was to be sought by the perpetrator rather than actually removing his eye too. In the Sadducees' view the law was to be taken literally.
R' Yitchak Isaac Halevi suggests that while there is evidence of a Sadducee sect from the times of Ezra, it emerged as major force only after the Hasmonean rebellion. The reason for this was not, in fact, a matter of religion. He claims that as complete rejection of Judaism would not have been tolerated under the Hasmonean rule, the Hellenists joined the Sadducees maintaining that they were rejecting not Judaism but Rabbinic law. Thus, the Sadducees were for the most part a political party and not a religious sect (Dorot Ha'Rishonim).
Professor Lawrence Schiffman also cites interpretations of the purity regulations in the Dead Sea scroll "MMT" (ca. 150 BCE) which closely parallel Sadducean views recorded by the spiritual heirs of the Pharisees, who authored the Talmud (Oral Law). But more importantly, he identifies very detailed Pharisaic (or proto-Pharisaic) views in the MMT scroll. However there is evidence[3] that there was an internal schism among those called "Sadducees" - some who rejected Angels, the Soul, and Resurrection - and some which accepted these teachings and the entirety of the Hebrew Bible.
In regard to criminal jurisdiction they were so rigorous that the day on which their code was abolished by the Pharisaic Sanhedrin under Simeon ben Shetah's leadership, during the reign ofSalome Alexandra, was celebrated as a festival. The Sadducees are said to have insisted on the literal execution of the law of retaliation: "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth", which pharisaic Judaism, and later rabbinic Judaism, rejected. On the other hand, they would not inflict the death penalty on false witnesses in a case where capital punishment had been wrongfully carried out, unless the accused had been executed solely in consequence of the testimony of such witnesses.
According to the Talmud, they granted the daughter the same right of inheritance as the son in case the son was dead (see chapter Yeish Nochalin of the Babylonain Talmud, tractate Bava Batra). Emet L' Yaakov explains that the focus of their argument was theological. The question was whether there is an afterlife (see above), and if there is, can the dead person be in the line of inheritance as if they were alive.
Some say that Iscariot derives from Hebrew איש־קריות, Κ-Qrîyôth, that is "man of Kerioth." The Gospel of John refers to Judas as "son of Simon Iscariot" (John 6:71), implying that it was not Judas, but his father, who came from here. Some speculate that Kerioth refers to a region in Judea, but it is also the name of two known Judean towns.
From Wikipedia
Kerioth - cities. (Hebrew: Kriyot קְרִיּוֹת)
A town in the south of Judea (Joshua 15:25). Judas Iscariot was probably a native of this place, and hence his name Iscariot. It has been identified with the ruins of el-Kureitein, about 10 miles south of Hebron. (See Hazor).
A city of Moab (Jeremiah 48:24,48:41), called Kirioth (Amos 2:2).
In my conclusion, my belief based on these facts above leads to a different theory. Yehuda Iscariot was not a Sadducee nor a Karaite as the facts do not even hold water for Sadducee to have become Karaim. The Karaim do take what Christians call "Sola Scriptura" the Scripture Only as means to to not except the Talmud and Mishna, however the Karaim do not from what I know of them lack in allegorical interpretation. The Sadducees would in taking a the command of Tefilin see it as that way it is done in Rabbinical Judaism today at the literal understanding. The Karaim do not see it as literal, also the Karaim do indeed believe in afterlife and the resurrection as the Sadducees did not. I do not see Yehuda Iscariot having any similarities to either. Yehuda Iscariot was from what I see expecting Yeshua to revolt and take the Roman occupation by storm, and that he in frustration (The Will of the Father) wished to help Yeshua along with inspiration, only to be grieved he turned over an "Innocent Man" and betrayed him. This leads me to believe that Yehuda Iscariot was a Zealot, that he like many others were zealous to get rid of all the Romans in Israel. As to the name Iscariot, by logical deduction, was from the city Kerioth, and may have been used as a play on words from Sicarios the group of assassins to become much more prevalent after 30CE.
3.13.2009
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8 comments:
Although the misunderstanding and prejudices against Karaism have been in existence for 1300 years, for a theory to exist that Judas was a Karaite, when Karaism wasn't formally established until the eight century is unfeasible. To suggest he may have been a Zadokite is within the realm of possibilities since that story exists within my own family. Whereas we believe we are descendants of the House of Phiabi, it is thought by my ancestors that Judas was a member of the house of Boethus. It would explain alot if you know the history of that particular family. From Phiabi through to Kahana, my lineage and beliefs are Karaite and I'm always amazed at how little is accurately recorded amongst Rabbinic Judaism. Perhaps that was Saadiah's legacy as he was determined to extingusih our flame.
Moderated version of a comment with my reply beneath:
As to the claims made in the article about the Sadducees, it's ridiculous to assert they would take the command of Tefillin as is done in Rabbinical Judaism, at the literal understanding. Apparently the writer had fallen for the propagandistic Rabbinic lie that insists the Sadducees (who never wore tefillin) placed their tefillin right between their eyes. Nobody who's done adequate research through serious sources on the Sadducees would fall for such [Censored].
~Zvi,
Qaraite Jew
Naturally there are those that have different beliefs and opinions in regard to this. If the idea of Sadducees wearing tefillin strikes a nerve, perhaps you have missed the point. The point here is that of Nazarene Israelite belief on who and what Yehuda Iscariot is in regard to belief. I never claim to be a scholar, but I do learn every day as much as I can with what I have with no money to go to a Yeshiva or seminary. I am not familiar with any Rabbinic propaganda on Sadducees, however, I am aware of it against Qaraim. In that I know that they do see it as allegorical, but it would be sketchy to say we are 100% aware of Sadducee practices. Considering even the Essenes wore tefillin, or at least they found evidence of it in caves they were know to live. All of this in not the point to the blog though. The point is that I believe and have left it open for respectful midrash that Yehuda Iscariot was a Zealot.
I will not allow any lashon harah (evil speak) toward any persons in any of my blogs, so speak to all Israelites and Goyim as though El Shaddai has sent them to learn the truth of His Torah.
May YHWH bless and keep you all
Yoel
Yoel:
The tefillin sets found in proximity to Khirbet Qumran most likely belonged to Pharisees of the Shammai school who were more nationalistic than their Hillelite counterparts.
The Zealots probably came from the ranks of the Shammaiites as Josephus reports they differed very little than the Pharisees in theology.
I've seen no evidence that Essenes actually lived in the caves surrounding Khirbet Qumran.
I recall vigorously questioning "believer" about his odd claims concerning himself. This seems strickly forbidden here which is a pity, because a Jew making such claims on a mainstream Jewish website or blog about themselves without providing adequate evidence for them at once would never be taken seriously (putting it mildly).
I'd appreciate if you email me a copy of my original submitted comment since I can't recall any Leshon haRah therein.
"I recall vigorously questioning "believer" about his odd claims concerning himself. This seems strickly forbidden here which is a pity, because a Jew making such claims on a mainstream Jewish website or blog about themselves without providing adequate evidence for them at once would never be taken seriously (putting it mildly)."
Duly noted brother. I only saw it as aggressive and did not wish to see anything get rough is all. There is no problem with such an inquiry in these areas as I study and believe much of the works of Yair Davidiy. Please except my apology if I read into it wrong. I would like to avoid use of fowl words here as I do have audience from young to old on here.
The part I cut was:
"To 'believer',
That you believe you're descended from the House of Phiabi doesn't make it so. Beliefs are like ********; every individual has one."
On your post you said:
"The Zealots probably came from the ranks of the Shammaiites as Josephus reports they differed very little than the Pharisees in theology."
I am confused by this as I have understood the schools of Shammai and Hillel to be within the Pharisees sect. Are you saying that the Zealots, may have been an offshoot from school of Shammai? If so, could you please elaborate on this.
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You have also said:
"I've seen no evidence that Essenes actually lived in the caves surrounding Khirbet Qumran."
Could please share your ideas and learning on this area? It has some interest to me as I have always heard that they did live there and other areas, and they are the ones that left behind the DSS.
There exists a scholarly book in Hebrew, "The Shammai School and the Zealots' Struggle Against Rome", that argues for a Shamaiite identity of the Zealots.
One online article by Qaraite Hakham Meir Y. Rekhavi (at his website) seems to support this.
I think Josephus was loath of explaining to his gentile audience that the Shammai school was Pharisaic as well but more nationalistic and anti-Roman, so he created an artificial division placing the Zealots outside the Pharisaic camp.
It is possible that an "Essene" sub-group group left behind the DSS. If the reported datum that 4000 of them lived in the Land of Israel is true, then only 200-300 could habitate Qumran itself. A fierce scholarly controversy is still raging about the precise identity of those people.
Yet I'd be happy to read what concrete evidence you've learned points to Essene habitation of those caves surroundinfg Khirbet Qumran.
I do not really know what to make of Yair Davidiy in terms of his work's credibility from what I've seen about him so far. Since I have not read his books, I cannot dismiss his conclusions out of hand.
But when someone claims they hail from, say, the House of Phiabi or a "lost" Israelite tribe, they must back themselves up with reliable & hard evidence to be taken seriously. Otherwise their statement might reek of a Christian superiority meme a-la "we're more authentic Israel than the Jews".
Thank you for the resource I shall look it up as soon as I can, unless you have a direct link to speed that up. As for the Israelite identity talks etc. this would venture away from this thread, I will start one on my convictions and learning in this area in the near future. Should you want to midrash on that area, please feel free to book mark this blog-site and check back at your leisure.
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I do hear you on the superiority issue that a lot of "Lost Tribers" put forth, I am apposed to that as I rely on the Scriptures that state Israel "lost and found" and Yehudim will one day dwell together again in peace. I believe YHWH never says anything in vain. So, I shall talk of this soon YHWH willing and blessed is He.
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