Hasidean

/ˌhæsɪˈdiːən/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of Hasideans, ancient Jewish scholars and teachers who were devoted to interpreting and following Jewish law.

Etymology

From Hebrew 'hasidim' (pious ones). The Hasideans were an ancient Jewish group active during the Maccabean period (165-37 BCE), different from modern Hasidic Judaism.

Kelly Says

The Hasideans were the intellectual warriors of ancient Jewish history—they're mentioned in ancient texts as fiercely defending Jewish religious law during the Greek occupation, and they're considered ancestors to later Jewish scholarly movements.

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