The Samaritans: History, Beliefs, and Modern Presence

The Samaritans are a religious and ethnic group whose roots trace back to ancient Israel. With an identity intertwined with both biblical history and modern geopolitics, the Samaritans present a unique narrative within the broader context of Middle Eastern cultures.

Their distinct beliefs and practices set them apart from mainstream Jewish traditions, despite sharing common ancestry.

Historical Background

The origins of the Samaritans are deeply embedded in the ancient history of the Levant. Their narrative begins with the division of the united monarchy of Israel after the death of King Solomon around 930 BCE. This split resulted in the formation of two separate kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south. The Samaritans claim descent from the northern kingdom, specifically from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, and they view themselves as the true preservers of the ancient Israelite religion.

The Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom in 722 BCE was a pivotal moment in Samaritan history. The Assyrians deported many Israelites and brought in foreign populations, leading to a mingling of cultures and religious practices. This period of upheaval and integration significantly shaped the Samaritan identity, as they maintained their distinct religious traditions despite external influences. The Samaritans continued to worship on Mount Gerizim, which they regard as the original holy place chosen by God, contrasting with the Jewish focus on Jerusalem.

During the Second Temple period, tensions between Samaritans and Jews intensified. The construction of a Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim around the 5th century BCE further solidified the religious divide. This temple was later destroyed by the Hasmonean king John Hyrcanus in the late 2nd century BCE, exacerbating hostilities. Despite these conflicts, the Samaritans persisted in their religious practices and maintained their community.

Roman and Byzantine rule brought additional challenges and changes. The Samaritans experienced periods of persecution and revolt, particularly under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, who sought to suppress their religious practices. Despite these adversities, the Samaritans managed to preserve their identity and traditions through centuries of external pressures and internal resilience.

Religious Beliefs and Practices

The religious beliefs of the Samaritans are anchored in their unwavering adherence to the Samaritan Pentateuch, a version of the Torah that differs slightly from the Jewish Torah. This text forms the foundation of their spiritual life and is considered the ultimate authority on religious matters. The Samaritans place immense importance on the Five Books of Moses, believing them to be the direct word of God. Unlike mainstream Judaism, they do not recognize the later books of the Hebrew Bible, such as the Prophets and the Writings, as part of their canon.

Central to Samaritan worship is the observance of the Sabbath, which is strictly kept from Friday evening to Saturday evening. The day is marked by rest, prayer, and family gatherings. The Samaritans also observe a unique calendar that dictates the timing of their religious festivals. The most significant of these is Passover, celebrated with an elaborate ritual sacrifice of lambs on Mount Gerizim—a practice that echoes ancient Israelite customs and is distinct from Jewish Passover celebrations. Their liturgical language remains ancient Hebrew, preserving a link to their historical roots.

Prayer plays a fundamental role in Samaritan life, with daily prayers recited at home or in their synagogues. These prayers often include readings from the Samaritan Pentateuch and are performed in a chant-like manner. The community’s spiritual leaders, known as priests, play a crucial role in conducting these rituals and ensuring the purity of religious practices. These priests claim direct descent from Aaron, the brother of Moses, adding a layer of historical continuity to their religious leadership.

Samaritan dietary laws also reflect their distinctive interpretation of biblical injunctions. They maintain a strict code of kashrut, similar to but distinct from Jewish dietary laws. For instance, they require complete separation of meat and dairy products and observe detailed guidelines for the slaughter and preparation of animals. These dietary practices reinforce their religious identity and set them apart from their Jewish and Muslim neighbors.

The Samaritan Pentateuch

The Samaritan Pentateuch, a cornerstone of Samaritan religious life, offers a fascinating glimpse into the textual traditions that diverged from the Jewish Torah. This sacred text, written in the ancient Hebrew script known as Paleo-Hebrew, underscores the Samaritans’ commitment to preserving an archaic form of their sacred writings. The script itself, distinct from the square Hebrew letters used in the Jewish Torah, serves as a visual reminder of the Samaritans’ unique historical and religious journey.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Samaritan Pentateuch is its textual variations from the Jewish Torah. While the core narrative remains largely consistent, there are notable differences that reflect theological and historical distinctions. For instance, the Samaritan text emphasizes Mount Gerizim as the chosen place of worship, a belief that is central to their faith. This divergence is evident in passages like Deuteronomy 27:4, where the Samaritan Pentateuch refers to Mount Gerizim instead of Mount Ebal, aligning with their tradition of Gerizim’s sanctity.

The language of the Samaritan Pentateuch also offers rich insights into the linguistic landscape of ancient Israel. The use of Samaritan Hebrew, which preserves older forms and pronunciations, provides scholars with valuable data on the evolution of the Hebrew language. This linguistic heritage, maintained through centuries of oral and written transmission, underscores the Samaritans’ dedication to their religious texts. Additionally, the text’s preservation in the community’s ritual and daily life ensures its continued relevance and vitality.

Modern-Day Samaritans

Today, the Samaritans are a small yet resilient community, numbering around 800 individuals, primarily residing in the West Bank village of Kiryat Luza near Mount Gerizim and in the Israeli city of Holon. Despite their limited numbers, they maintain a vibrant cultural and religious life, balancing tradition with the demands of the modern world. Their unique position, straddling both Israeli and Palestinian territories, imbues them with a distinctive geopolitical significance, allowing them to act as a bridge between two often conflicting narratives.

Education and modern professions have become integral to Samaritan life, with many community members pursuing higher education and careers in diverse fields such as medicine, law, and technology. This engagement with contemporary society has not diluted their cultural identity; rather, it has provided new platforms for expressing and preserving their heritage. Social media and digital archives have become tools for the Samaritans to share their rich history and traditions with a global audience, fostering greater understanding and appreciation.

Health and intermarriage present ongoing challenges. The small size of the community has led to a higher incidence of genetic disorders, prompting initiatives to encourage health education and genetic counseling. To address the issue of intermarriage, which traditionally was restricted to within the community, there has been a gradual openness to marrying outside, provided the spouse converts to the Samaritan faith and commits to its practices. This delicate balance between maintaining purity and embracing inclusivity is a testament to their adaptability.