Unifying Threads: Similarities in First Century CE Judaism

The question posed is a thought-provoking one to say the least, this is due to the main aim of many scholars looking to differentiate between the varieties of Judaism, not show their similarities. It is, indeed, important to answer this question to expose the roots of Judaism and display this common-ground within Judaism that essentially transcends sects and philosophies. In this essay, I will demonstrate that there are a variety of similarities within first century CE Judaism and that they are actually fairly central to all of Jewish teaching and should not be over-looked as often as they are. First, I will analyse how early writers such as Josephus represent these similarities through texts such as Jewish War and Jewish Antiquities, then

It would be beneficial to state early on that Martin Goodman does argue that ‘the number of varieties … that existed … must be judged greater than what emerges from simply reading Josephus’. Thus, by Josephus trying to convey these differences he also, in-turn, commented on similarities that seemingly go unnoticed to the masses. The main similarity that I see pervading the Pharisees, Sadducees and Essenes is that of frugality and non-materialism. Josephus writes of the ‘riches they despise’ essentially proclaiming that there is no need for opulence, nor deprivation, simply a life of normality. Indeed, Josephus goes on to address new members of the Essenes shall have their property “confiscate[d] … with the result … [n]either abject poverty or inordinate wealth” promoting this life of normality above anything else. This striving for normality transcends the different sects of Judaism and instead the Pharisees also follow this life of frugality; ‘simplify their standard of living, making no concession to luxury’ again following the doctrine of a simple, non-materialistic life just as the Essenes also do. Hence representing that although the more intricate teachings of Judaism in different sects may be varied and diverse, however the basic way in which they live their lives is fundamentally the same: a life of basics without ‘luxury’ or

It is, to me, most notable within Josephus’ Jewish Antiquities where he proclaims that the Pharisees display ‘respect and deference to their elders’ This aligns with the way that Josephus perceived the Essenes stating that they, ‘settle in large numbers in every town’. It does, however, seem impetuous to presume that Josephus is the only contemporary scholar who holds much weight, in fact many of his words have been branded partisan in favour of the Pharisees with a strong case to believe so: on the Sadducees he labels them, ‘among themselves … boorish in their behaviour’ altogether, a fairly negative view and one which makes you question the overall authenticity of his comments. Nonetheless, the views of the Essenes seem to be contemporarily true as reiterated by the first century CE scholar, Philo, who also indicated that the Essenes ‘live in … many villages and large groups’ seemingly agreeing with Josephus on the views of an Essene. Thus, I believe that the writings of Josephus do correlate with the view that the sects of Judaism studied are family and community