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Tzedokim vs. Chachamim Disputes

The Tzedokim were students of Tzadok who rejected the authority of the Oral Torah. This led them to dispute numerous Jewish laws and customs with the Chachamim sages, including the proper observance of festivals, temple offerings, and rituals. The document then lists 13 specific points of halachic disagreement between the Tzedokim and Chachamim on issues such as the festival of Shavuot, daily offerings, and tefillin placement.

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Rabbi Benyomin Hoffman
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105 views1 page

Tzedokim vs. Chachamim Disputes

The Tzedokim were students of Tzadok who rejected the authority of the Oral Torah. This led them to dispute numerous Jewish laws and customs with the Chachamim sages, including the proper observance of festivals, temple offerings, and rituals. The document then lists 13 specific points of halachic disagreement between the Tzedokim and Chachamim on issues such as the festival of Shavuot, daily offerings, and tefillin placement.

Uploaded by

Rabbi Benyomin Hoffman
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

THE TZEDOKIM

The Tzedokim were students of Tzadok, and the Beitusim were students of Beitus. Both of these
individuals rejected the authority of the Oral Torah (Avos d'Rebbi Nasan 5:2).
However, like other groups throughout history, the rejection of the authority of the Oral Torah, was
just a screen to reject the divinity of the entire Torah.

PERVERSIONS OF THE TZEDOKIM


The rejection of the authority of the mesorah, lead to multiple disputes:
1. The Setting of the Festival of Shavous: the Tzedokim understood the verse ‫ ממחרת השבת‬as first
day of Pesach after Shabbos Bereshis (Sunday); the Chachamim explained it to be the day after
the initial day of Pesach.
2. Korban Tamid: the Tzedokim held that an individual could offer this Korban from their
individual funds; the Chachamim maintained that the funds for this Korban came from the
communal funds.
3. Mitzvah of Nesachim (libations that accompany a Korban): the Tzedokim held that the
nesachim were not poured on the Altar but eaten by the Cohanim; the Chachamim maintained it
was offered on the Altar.
4. Ketores (Incense) on Yom Kippur: the Tzedokim maintained that the Cohen Gadol would first
make the cloud of Ketores and then enter the Kodesh haKedoshim; the Chachamim held that the
Cohen Gadol first entered the Kodesh haKedoshim and then make the cloud of the Ketores.
5. Seven Days of Melu’im (Dedication): the Tzedokim set seven days of dedication each year; the
Chachamim held that the Melu’im was a one-time event during the first year in the desert by
Moshe.
6. Nisuch (pouring) of the Waters: the Tzedokim did not believe in this action during the festival
of Sukkos; the Chachamim maintained this was one of the commandments in the Bais haMikdash.
7. Parah Adumah: The Tzedokim, understood that a tevul yom cannot perform the para aduma,
that the kohen must be completely tahor. We however have a tradition from Moshe Rabbeinu that
a tevul yom could engage in the para aduma activities (more lenient). Consequently, prior to the
kohen gadol beginning, he would be made tameh and immerse in the mikvah, making him a tevul
yom to emphasize with the opinion of the Chachamim.
8. Beating of the Aravah on Hoshana Rabbah: the Tzedokim did not do this action; the
Chachamim did this mitzvah each year.
9. Tefillin for the Head: the Tzedokim placed their tefillin literally between the eyes (some say they
also made round Tefillin); according to the Chachamim the placement of the Tefillin was at the
beginning of the hair line above the place between the eyes.
10. Tevilah Decreed by Ezra: the Tzedokim do not observe this decree; the
Chachamim made this decree and were strict about the decree.
11. Chalitzah: the Tzedokim required the woman to actually spit onto the Yavam; the
Chachamim held that the lady spit opposite the Yavam.
12. Punishment of Damagers: the Tzedokim the text of “an eye for an eye” is literal;
the Chachamim explained it means monetary compensation.
13. Eidem Zomamim (false witnesses): the Tzedokim held that the witnesses are only
punished if the judgment had already occurred; the Chachamim they are only punished if they
planned but judgment was not yet carried out.

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