between the 2nd century BCE and the 1st century CE. They are best known for their communal, ascetic lifestyle and their commitment to a strict code of ethics and purity. The Essenes lived in isolated communities, often in the desert regions near the Dead Sea, such as at Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.
These texts, written primarily in Hebrew and Aramaic, shed light on their beliefs, rituals, and way of life. Essenes practiced celibacy, communal living, and ritual baths for purification. They believed in the importance of personal piety, awaiting the arrival of a messianic figure, and a dualistic worldview that emphasized the ongoing battle between the forces of light and darkness. While the exact origins of the Essenes remain debated, their influence on Jewish thought and the broader context of Second Temple Judaism is undeniable. They offer a unique window into the diversity of religious expression in ancient Judea.