HELLENISTIC JEWS Meaning and
Definition
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Hellenistic Jews refer to a specific group of individuals who were Jews by heritage and religion but were greatly influenced by Hellenistic culture, philosophy, and language during the Hellenistic period (323 BCE – 31 BCE). The Hellenistic period began after the demise of Alexander the Great and witnessed the spread of Greek influence throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Hellenistic Jews were primarily found in cities that were under Greek rule and adopted many aspects of Greek customs, language, and ideas. They gradually embraced the Greek way of life, including participating in Greek festivals and adopting Greek names. They also spoke and wrote in Greek, which marked a significant departure from traditional Jewish practices of using Hebrew as the main language.
However, despite their adoption of Greek culture, Hellenistic Jews still retained their religious identity and practiced Judaism. They observed the Jewish laws, including circumcision and keeping the Sabbath, and regularly attended synagogues. The Hellenistic Jewish community also produced a significant body of Greek-language literature, such as the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible.
It is important to note that Hellenistic Jews differed from other Jewish groups of the time, such as the Sadducees, Pharisees, or Essenes. Hellenistic Jews occupied a unique space within Jewish society, as they sought to reconcile and synthesize both Greek and Jewish traditions.
Etymology of HELLENISTIC JEWS
The term "Hellenistic Jews" refers to Jews who lived in the Hellenistic period, which lasted from the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE to the establishment of Roman rule in the eastern Mediterranean in the 1st century BCE.
Etymologically, the term "Hellenistic" comes from the Greek word "Hellēnizein", which means "to speak Greek" or "to adopt Greek customs". The Hellenistic period was characterized by the spread of Greek culture and influence throughout the eastern Mediterranean region, including Egypt, Syria, and parts of Asia Minor.
The term "Jews" denotes people of Jewish descent or followers of the Jewish religion. The word "Jew" is derived from the Hebrew word "Yehudi", which originates from the name of the ancient Israelite tribe of Judah.
