George Foot Moore
The Covenanters of Damascus; A Hitherto Unknown Jewish Sect
"The Covenanters of Damascus; A Hitherto Unknown Jewish Sect" by George Foot Moore is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the study of a previously unrecognized Jewish sect that emerged in Damascus, discussing their beliefs, practices, and the context of their establishment based on fragments of manuscripts found in a synagogue's Genizah. It aims to shed light on their distinctive interpretations of Jewish law and their relationship to broader Jewish history, particularly during the Seleucid period. At the start of the book, Moore introduces the recently discovered manuscripts from the Genizah that contain teachings of this sect, referred to as the Covenanters of Damascus. The opening section outlines the structure of the manuscripts, noting that they consist of exhortations, doctrines, and community regulations. The text gives insights into the sect's history, tracing its origins to Israelites who migrated to Damascus and formed a new covenant to adhere strictly to their interpretation of the law. The manuscripts are characterized by a strict legalistic approach and an apocalyptic vision, revealing both the sect's fervent belief in their teachings and a strong polemic against more established Jewish practices of their time.