Te history and teachings of the Jewish yaa () religious movement

Tis article presents the author's views concerning the problems related to the formation and doctrine of the Yahad sect that emerged just before the Maccabean crisis (165 BC). Having found in the person of the Teacher of Righteousness a true prophet and interpreter the Holy Scriptures, these zealots of the Law acquired in him a leader and instructor. Tey lef their families and the cult of the Jerusalem Temple and setled in the Judean desert to follow the instruction of their mentor. Teir worship was based on calendar practices different from the practice of Temple Judaism led by the Wicked Priest (that is King Jonathan) and later his brothers, “the last priests of Jerusalem” (1QpHab IX:4).