Karaite

religion

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July 15, 2026

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Karaism is a Jewish religious movement that originated in 8th-century Persia. Its followers, known as Karaites, reject the oral traditions and the Talmud, asserting that the Hebrew Bible is the sole source of divine law and practice. This stance places Karaism in opposition to Rabbinic Judaism.12

Karaism emphasizes the Bible as self-explanatory, allowing for personal interpretation. However, the movement developed its own oral traditions to apply scriptural principles to daily life. Karaites adhere to strict interpretations of laws regarding the Sabbath, dietary restrictions, purity, fasting, marriage, and clothing. They also exclude traditional ritual objects like phylacteries and mezuzahs due to their uncompromising monotheism.1

While never a large movement, Karaism spread to various regions, including Egypt, Syria, and parts of Europe. Small communities of Karaites still exist today, notably in Israel.1

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Karaites
The Karaites are a Jewish sect that emerged in the early Middle Ages. Several thousand members live in Ramla, and more recently in Beersheba and Ashdod. Like other religious minorities, they have their own religious courts and communal organizations. Considered part of Jewish society,…
Read More
The Karaites are a Jewish sect that emerged in the early Middle Ages. Several thousand members live in Ramla, and more recently in Beersheba and Ashdod. Like other religious minorities, they have their own religious courts and communal organizations. Considered part of Jewish society,…
Read More