Samaritans

Samaritans marking Passover on Mount Gerizim, West Bank - 20060418

100.Foreign Nations Are Slain by Lions in Samaria

Samaritan inscription

Khirbat-Samara-synagogue-119

Mosaic from Samaritan synagogue

Gerizim2

Samaritans are an ethnoreligious group originating from the Israelites of ancient Samaria, a region of the ancient Near East. The Samaritans claim descent from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (two sons of Joseph) as well as from the Levites, who have links to ancient Samaria from the period of the Kingdom of Israel. Their history and cultural practices are closely related to, yet distinct from, those of Judaism, with whom they share early biblical texts but differ in terms of later religious texts and traditions.

History

The history of the Samaritans begins during the Iron Age in the Near East. After the death of King Solomon, the united Kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel, with its capital Samaria, and the southern Kingdom of Judah. The Samaritans are historically associated with the northern kingdom, which was conquered by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BCE. This event led to the deportation of the Israelite elite and the resettlement of foreign peoples in Samaria, which, according to the Samaritans, did not break their lineage from the ancient Israelites.

Following the conquest, the Samaritans developed their own distinct religious practices. While they accept the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (the Torah) as sacred, they reject the later writings and traditions adopted by Judaism after the Babylonian exile. The Samaritan version of the Torah is written in the Samaritan script, which is distinct from the Hebrew script used by Jews.

Religion

The religion of the Samaritans centers on the worship of Yahweh, whom they believe has chosen Mount Gerizim, near the city of Nablus in the West Bank, as his sacred dwelling place. This belief contrasts with the Jewish tradition that places the spiritual center in Jerusalem. The Samaritans maintain a priesthood and conduct animal sacrifices at Mount Gerizim, especially during the Passover festival, which they celebrate according to their ancient liturgical calendar.

Cultural Practices

Samaritan cultural practices include the observance of the Sabbath, circumcision, and the celebration of religious festivals such as Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot, though their rituals and calendar may differ from those of mainstream Judaism. The Samaritan community is also known for its strict adherence to dietary laws and marital customs, which aim to preserve the purity of their lineage.

Demographics

The Samaritan community is small, numbering fewer than 1,000 individuals, with populations residing in Holon, Israel, and in and around Nablus on Mount Gerizim in the West Bank. Despite their small numbers, the Samaritans have managed to preserve their unique identity, religious practices, and community cohesion over centuries.

Challenges

The Samaritan community faces several challenges, including issues related to their small population size, such as genetic health problems due to intermarriage within a limited gene pool. They also navigate complex political and social landscapes, given their presence in both Israeli and Palestinian territories.

Conclusion

The Samaritans represent a unique and enduring link to the ancient world, maintaining religious and cultural practices that have survived for millennia. Their history and traditions offer valuable insights into the diverse tapestry of religious and ethnic identities in the Near East.