Understanding Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes

An in-depth analysis of the three major sects of Judaism at the end of the Second Temple era, and how Judaism as we know it came about. Included is a discussion of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the surprising origins of the Talmudic Sages.
For the class on the Essenes, the Hebrew Calendar, and the Book of Jubilees, see here: • Shavuot and the Book o...
Further Reading:
'The Mystery and Mysticism of the Essenes': www.mayimachronim.com/the-mys...
On Herod and 'How Esau Became Rome': www.mayimachronim.com/how-esa...
'Who Was the First Rabbi?': www.mayimachronim.com/who-was...
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The Midrash about the progression of mitzvot from Noach to Sinai can be found in Midrash Mishlei 31:5, and is also cited by Rabbeinu Bechaye on Exodus 20:17.

[@brianroyster7510]

I have learned more about Judaism in the past hour than I had in the past 52 years. Fascinating.

[@EfraimPalvanov]

So glad to hear, thank you!

[@lisakimbrell1406]

Sorry but all you learned was lies from the synagogue of Satan. Go watch The God Culture

[@alexanderealley9992]

Amazing presentation!! Thank you for sharing this with us! Your channel has incredible content, may Hashem continue to bless you and your family.

[@EfraimPalvanov]

Amen, thank you!

[@josephchilds9824]

Good for you all coming from an animal as you call us goys

[@alienJIZ1990]

If my synagogue taught like this I'd probably still be going as opposed to peacing out decades ago at 13 right after my Bar Mitzvah

[@iceliadias]

Always so great to watch these shiurim. Thank you so much. I learn so much. 🙌

[@EfraimPalvanov]

Thank you!

[@TheModernHermeticist]

Great lecture, thanks.

[@EfraimPalvanov]

Thank you!

[@davidwenger9821]

Awesome thank you for the education. Shalom

[@sh.lslate3517]

Beautiful!!!

[@naseersheikh1118]

תודה רבה עוזר לי מאוד🙂

[@user-rg9yz5ou4y]

The Essenes had numerous holy books that the sages did not recognize as genuine scriptures. Few of these "Dead Sea scriptures are even mentionedin theTalmud.

[@seanleech8214]

Thank you, brilliant but complex.

[@shoshannafachima1306]

הרצאה מרתקת מאד.עכשיו ההקשרים מסודרים לי וברורים היטב ייש כוח עצום וברוך תהיה

[@ILIAD9]

Absolutely top notch. Im glad Josephus chose life!!!

[@EfraimPalvanov]

Thanks!

[@ALBrown79]

Brother, Plse help understand how King Ahkenaten is a figure that has a connection to the Jewish Faith. I feel he is part of our background. I come to you for understanding. 🙏🏼

[@EfraimPalvanov]

I don't think there is a direct connection between Akhenaten and Judaism, but there is a parallel in that Akhenaten became a monotheist. Perhaps he was inspired by the Israelites!

[@Jasn_Chvz]

Had no idea there was this much to it. Amen.

[@Solomon_animated]

Aaa, it's becoming clear in my mind as to what was going on behind the seens during the days of Solomon....

[@Tobyyy24]

ahh its becoming clear that you dont know the King Solomon lived nearly 1000 prior

[@hamiltonsarain9608]

After all my independent research, I arrived at the conclusion that, second temple era politics aside, the Sadducees were closer to the true Hebraic worldview of the ancient Israelites. That is why I keep stating that human beings should be working together in order to pass on a better way of life to future generations here on this one planet Earth that nourishes us all. However, I should be humble enough to admit that I could be wrong, and I am grateful for your videos because now I am able to recognize the 'mashiahh' if there is to be one, but I keep thinking that no religion is perfect. Just this morning, I was thinking that the few Zartoshtis on this planet should reclaim the concepts of a Saoshyant and a 'frashokereti' that Jews, Christians, and Muslims have distorted. From what I gather, even the Magi and later Persian Zoroastrians lacked understanding of the true meanings in the Gathas of Zarathushtra.

[@sandcastlelyndylynneklynch766]

Blessings! I came here to understand who the pharesis (you spell pharisees) were! I am Christian, & it's so very interesting that Jewish religion teaches that the Torah, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers &Deuteronomy Always existed? That it was eternal? That B4 God created all the beautiful & our beautiful Universe That God looked in the Torah as a Blueprint? I'm just at ur beginning of ur video! (I also just subscribed to ur channel!) I love learning about other cultures & religions! If we don't learn about each other & ask questions, there will never be peace among all God's children, all the ppl on earth! Now as Christians we believe God always was & will be! That He created the universe as it says in Genesis! Now I agree That First Came The Word Of God, That the Word Always Was, And Will Be! But, I can't imagine God who is ALL Knowing, & Knows all of us b4 we were born, and all the feathers on every bird, & every hair on every humans head from past, present & future and every grain of sand! & God who created the Angels, Heavenly Hosts, Adam & Eve, etc wld need a blueprint on How to Create anything? Doesn't that sound odd to you? He IS God! Why wld he need to check any instructions on how to make anything? Now that is someone not of your faith looking in asking this question!! Do the Samaritans (The Keepers) also believe this about the Torah? (as they Only study the first 5 books only) I look forward to your reply & I look forward to learning so much from you & you'd channel! Blessings to you and your family, You truly are God's chosen ppl! Love from Dayton Ohio USA the invention capital of the world!

[@EfraimPalvanov]

Yes, we do believe that the Torah is eternal and pre-existed Creation. Certainly, a perfect God does not require a "blueprint" - the notion that "God looked into the Torah and created the world" is more of a metaphor to teach that all of history unfolds according to God's plan, as encoded in His Torah. Thank you for the blessings, and may you be blessed as well!

[@Yosaif-israel]

The Torah says that God spoke existence into existence, and Torah means the eternal direction. Then obviously the internal direction comes from within the internal direction.

[@sylviesauvageau6553]

As a born Catholic, been there. The ONLY way to have answers is learning with Jewish people. You may have a lot within a Noahides group too. I converted in 2020 and still learning. Happy now❤, I fit now, was not before. Enjoy the classes! Of course Hashem doesn't need a Blueprint per say, the blueprint is for us to learn and there was stuff in the blue print for future, like spleeting of the see, if the see would not have wanted to split, would not have been created. So I guess the blueprint was with all the "options" to show creations if they did not want to follow the Word. But, just my POV.

[@jibblecain]

could Zechariah 13:8-9 be speaking on this? The 2/3rds being the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the 1/3rd left being the Essenes who were refined by fire.

[@Dewizoh]

Excellent a lot of African American or Africans of the diaspora habits like saying grace and other cultural traits are Esscene

[@jessereichbach588]

I think that's a big influence on the Christian tradition, which would make sense.

[@user-rg9yz5ou4y]

While the Talmud does contain some mild criticism of some Perushim, it references to the Perushim are usually very positive. Repeatedly the sages describe themselves as the spiritual heirs of the perushim.

[@a.m.o.3323]

The people that keep interrupting are so rude and irritating.

[@Sorrel555]

Damn, these Jews sure like to argue with each other lol

[@andreykorwhatnot8262]

Everyone knows why the first temple was destroyed, but why was the second temple destroyed?

[@Yosaif-israel]

I know why the second temple was destroyed but why was the first enlighten me and I’ll tell you why the second

[@andreykorwhatnot8262]

@@Yosaif-israel gladly, because Israel abandoned Elohim and started worshipping idols in the temple. You can open Tanakh and read. Now your turn, do tell

[@Yosaif-israel]

@@andreykorwhatnot8262 So all the prophecies could be fulfilled, and all nations blessed with the presence of descendants of keepers of the law, the remnant of Israel, amongst the nations to be gathered back in the holy land at the time when history has developed enough, so the arrogance of the nations is diminished and actually ready to accept the message from Sinai

[@andreykorwhatnot8262]

@@Yosaif-israel temple was destroyed to bless all nations?

[@Da-ni-yel]

I believe the Greek “new” testament letters give some insight on this. A man named Saul of Tarsus (“apostle” Paul) was teaching gentiles that the Soreg Wall was abolished in Messiah Yeshua’s flesh in his letter to the Ephesians (chapter 2), and Trophimus the Ephesian decided to go past the Soreg Wall and defile the temple on one of his missionary trips with Saul of Tarsus. This event is described in the book of Acts, chapter 21, verse 28. As a former xtrian who is considering conversion to Judaism, the Greek “new” testament gives ample internal evidence that Paul was a false apostle who opposed Yeshua and His disciples - who, with John the “Baptist” were aligned with the Essenes. Among the Essenes, Menechim the Essene resigned from his post because the priestly class had become so corrupted.

[@isaacolivecrona6114]

I thought Jacob battled Lord of the Present namely Israel and that He was only considered Esau’s guardian angel until Jacob supplanted Him and his name. Also wasn’t the role of Israel to help HaShem to complete the creation, and to do so by always pushing it in new directions so as to unfold it to the greatest extent. And if that is also the role of the so-called stumbling block, then isn’t Jacob/Israel the new stumbling block?

[@EfraimPalvanov]

Please see the following for understanding Jacob, Israel and Esau: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnm9m4aFhZqUoqc

[@user-rg9yz5ou4y]

The title "rabbi" is repeatedly used in the Gemara to refer to the spiritual leaders of the community as "rabbis" but there is no reference to this term in the Dead Sea Scrolls. There, the leaders of their community are described as "Zadokites."

[@robycoles]

Right on. The true Levite priests.

[@Vinishsky]

As a very popular Israeli saying teaches: "Don't be right, be smart"

[@mistere5792]

Dead Sea Scrolls(DSS) are Second Temple Period(2TP) writings vs Gemara is written in the 500s CE. Some DSS are scripture and inspired. Gemara is not inspired.

[@albusai]

The Malak Adonai

[@n.lightnin8298]

Judas and Jesus of gamalia is interesting history some interesting stuff in Moses of choriene (Armenian) that is more in-depth then Josephus ​​⁠

[@n.lightnin8298]

Josephus calls them Syrian rebels but Moses tells they are the kings of an area in todays turkey that was a kingdom in that time “EDESSA” they were only rebels to the Roman they were both crucified if I remember correctly 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@n.lightnin8298]

also would love to hear your thoughts on the similarities between historical Josephus and Saul/paul in Christianity they had a brother with the same exact name and their scribes had the same exact name they would have been on the same ship to see Cesar were both Jews in Roma at the same time but neither writes on the other I don’t think they are the same person but it’s compelling info Mathias and Josephus barnabus threw lots to decide who would be the next deciple after Judas

[@Solomon_animated]

The fact that this involved an oral tradition, it answers the questions I had on my mind... Times ahead will be very tumultuous. Everyone should be strong and remain dedicated to their beliefs in the higher power. Just because I love people and want as many beautiful people as possible to remain faithful to the most high.

[@4luv215]

“The thigh is an area that is sinful”.

[@haemeth42]

Josephus according to Reuchlin Abelard-True Author on New Testament, Josesphus was Calpurnius Piso! Is this true Rabbi

[@EfraimPalvanov]

I have heard of this hypothesis and I do not believe it is true.

[@haemeth42]

@@EfraimPalvanov Thank you Rabbi

[@Sam-fp8zm]

it was a tendon jacob could not eat not a nerve

[@theholyeternalinfinite9368]

interesting you find in the “New Testament “ this verse Acts 13:1 וַיִּהְיוּ בַּקָּהָל אֲשֶׁר בְּאַנְטְיוֹכְיָא נְבִיאִים וּמְלַמְּדִים וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹתָם בַּר־נַבָּא וְשִׁמְעוֹן הַנִּקְרָא גַם־נִיגַר וְלוּקְיוֹס הַקּוּרִינִי וּמְנַחֵם אֲשֶׁר הָיָה אָמוֹן עִם־הוֹרְדוֹס טֶטְרַרְךְ וְשָׁאוּל why do you think they put apparently the same Menachem there?

[@EfraimPalvanov]

It is not the same Menachem. The verse clearly says Herod the Tetrach, not King Herod. Menachem the Essene would have lived many decades earlier.

[@theholyeternalinfinite9368]

@@EfraimPalvanov What year do you date the birth of Menachem?

[@EfraimPalvanov]

@@theholyeternalinfinite9368 Menachem the Essene predicted that Herod would become king when the latter was still a child. Herod was born c. 72 BCE, and Menachem obviously would have been much older, so we can safely say that his year of birth would have been at least before 90 BCE.

[@user-rg9yz5ou4y]

Your imaginative claim that the references to the the "first sages" and the "hasidim" are really references to the Essenes is is iimlausible. Especially since the hasidim of the late Temple period as wandering from place to place preaching to the poor. Few if any of the Talmudic sages conducted this kind of traveling ministry.

[@user-rg9yz5ou4y]

Corrected version: Your imaginative references to the "first sages" as Essenes is unlikely. The Talmud describes the hasidim of the late Temple period as wandering preachers who preached to the poor in villages where there was no Beit Midrash. Possibly even without a synagogue. While the the Talmudic and Mishnaic sages also of course also preached to the poor, but they did this from their own homes ,synagogues. and beitim midrashim. They wetre not itinerant preacher like the late temple hasidim.

[@mistere5792]

What are the 24 groups? Can you help complete the list or where can I find the list? Pharisees Sadducees Essenes CD Essenes Samaritans Zelots

[@eroscollazo5055]

I mean where does the TORA mention the Talmud?

[@Tobyyy24]

huh? the Talmud is a series of books interpreting the Torah many centuries later.

[@mistere5792]

Talmud is anochronistic to the Second Temple Period. Talmud is not inspired scripture. Tahnahk and Talmud are not equal.

[@user-rg9yz5ou4y]

The Essenes generally avoided marriage. The Talmudic sages required it for all Jews. Most Essenes had no children. The Talmudic sageconsidered children a great blessing, and urged Jews to have as many of them as possibe,

[@mistere5792]

ascetic Essences did not get married but CD Essences did have families and there were neighborhoods of CD Essenes in towns like Jerusalem.

[@AbdulKhader-786]

Rabbi what happened to your hair 😅

[@tropicanaman4666]

It can’t be that polygamy is against the Torah especially because there are Talmud tractates full of cases where men have two wives

[@user-rg9yz5ou4y]

The Essenes made a distinction Jewish people as a whole and the "community"--meaning the Essene community. By contrast the Talmudic sages did not recognize any exclusive "community" within the Jewish people.

[@mistere5792]

When you are speaking about a specific part of the Talmud that should be stated. To just say Talmud is anochronistic because Talmud as a whole is not compiled and finished until after the diaspora of the 70AD. Essenes didn't need the Talmud because they had already separated themselves from the other groups.

[@lisakimbrell1406]

Go watch The God Culture

[@lauraschroeder8177]

The Word of God: LOGOS: Jesus Christ is eternal. Jesus is the Creator, He is at the beginning. He is the high priest you are looking for: the Messiah: Tribe of Judah, lineage of King David. He is from the order of Melchizedek BEFORE the law came. Abraham tithed a 10th to Him: King of Salem. Jesus is the prince of peace, sitting at the right hand of the Father: He is our intermediary between God and man: our high priest. Read about Him in Isaiah 53 and the book of Hebrews.

[@xryz]

Sorry but the genealogy listed in the gospel is invented/fabricated to try to fulfill “prophecy”. “Modern scholarship tends to see the genealogies of Jesus as theological constructs rather than factual history: family pedigrees would not usually have been available for non-priestly families, and the contradictions between the two lists are seen as clear evidence that these were not based on genealogical records.” - en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genealogy_of_Jesus Stop following the pauline/roman doctrine. The writings of a fraud to distance humanity from eternal life. As he opens modern judaism was a recent construct and was defeated several times throughout history. So it raises the questions: is their god not all powerful, or is he angered with them and fell out of his grace, or does he simply not exist? That the maccabees created modern judaism from the ashes of the Hellenistic Israelites and surrounding communities in order to maintain hierarchy and stability in their caste system and haughty attitude of superiority and supremacy.

[@elliotkey7961]

3@@@

[@deafprophet]

😆

[@eroscollazo5055]

Could it possibly be, that just MAYBE, JESUS is the Messiah? And HE is coming back ?

[@EfraimPalvanov]

Please see 'Judaism vs. Christianity' here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJjJaJt4fNatgK8

[@user-rg9yz5ou4y]

The Talmud repeatedly describes the sages of their own time as successors of the Perushim. The Essenes are never even mentioned the Essenes.

[@Vinishsky]

"Perushim" means interpreters. Essenes were more into the essence than into interpretation

[@carlosbernalism]

Abraham was Jewish? That is impossible. Also Judaism is a religion that came out of the Mossiac law with tons of addons and traditions that Moses wouldn't recognize.

[@ThePonderingPiper]

This sounds like being slaves to ancient superstition..🤔

[@jdmbraceyourself695]

They were definitely false religion

[@Vinishsky]

So the "Judaism as we know it" is Judaism without the Land and without the Temple. Is it not the reason why God used secular Jews to restore the State of Israel?

[@Tobyyy24]

Judaism today has the land just not the Temple. God plans everything out. a Jew is a Jew, no matter how secular he is.

[@mistere5792]

No. The state of Israel is a secular construction by worldly governments, spiritual powers and principalities. The present state is Israel is a structure that is propelled by Zionist, "Jewish Zionist" and Christian Zionist. The Judaism of the Second Temple period was very different from today's Rabbinic Judaism and Jewish Zionism. 2TP Judaism was not monolithic as Ephraim said. The were at least 24 sects of Judaism at that time and they were also different from Ancient Israelite religion.

[@Tobyyy24]

@@mistere5792 but more or less they still identify as Jews. And MOST Jews today can’t recall anyone in their ancestral line as being non-Jew. So are you suggesting that the Jews of the 1800s and 1900s weren’t really Jews? And that they only suffered the consequences of being “Jews” in vain.