Esoterica Iudaica Antiqua: Some reflections

Abstract

In this paper, I seek to isolate and seek out criteria for understanding the social functioning of esotericism in the period of the Second Temple. In addition to clarifying what is meant by “esoteric,” several other terms are considered: mystery and secret being the chief among them. The understanding of the terminology in studies of Western esotericism is investigated from a comparative perspective. The outcome of this research is then confronted with some esoteric groups of the Second Temple Period such as Therapeutai and Essenes. For the Essenes, the advantage of having both insider and outsider reports of their activity is stressed.