KARAITES Meaning and
Definition
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The Karaites are a religious and ethnic group with their roots in ancient Judaism. They form a minority Jewish sect that originated in Babylonia (modern-day Iraq) during the 8th and 9th centuries and spread to other parts of the world. The Karaites are distinguished by their adherence to Karaite Judaism, a religious movement that rejects the authority of the Talmud and rabbinical interpretations of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Tanakh. Instead, they emphasize the direct reading and interpretation of the Scriptures based on their own judgement.
The term "Karaites" is derived from the Hebrew word "karaim," meaning "readers" or "scripturalists," reflecting their central focus on the textual study and interpretation of the Bible. The word "karaites" is also a reflection of their rejection of rabbinical traditions and their reliance on the written word alone.
Karaites maintain their distinctive religious practices and rituals, which include the observance of the Sabbath, dietary laws, and various holidays, all based on their understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures. Historically, the Karaites have faced challenges in maintaining their distinct identity and traditions due to their minority status within the larger Jewish community.
Today, the Karaites live primarily in Israel, Egypt, Crimea, and a few other regions. They continue to strive to preserve their unique religious heritage and cultural customs while engaging with the broader Jewish community and the modern world.
Common Misspellings for KARAITES
- jaraites
- maraites
- laraites
- oaraites
- iaraites
- kzraites
- ksraites
- kwraites
- kqraites
- kaeaites
- kadaites
- kafaites
- kataites
- ka5aites
- ka4aites
- karzites
- karsites
- karwites
- karqites
- karautes
Etymology of KARAITES
The word "Karaites" comes from the Hebrew term "karaim", which means "readers" or "Scripturalists". The Karaites are a Jewish religious movement that emerged in the 8th century C.E. The name reflects their focus on a literal interpretation of the Hebrew Bible and rejection of the Oral Law and Rabbinic tradition followed by mainstream Judaism.
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