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The Sadducees were an interesting group. They were very religious in nature, even more than the Pharisees were; yet the Rabbis did not enjoy them as a group.

What was the reason? Certainly a group of very religious Jews should be accepted by the Rabbis!

The Sadducees, in spite of their religious zeal, did not honor the oral tradition of the Torah. They believed with a strong conviction in the written Torah. They did not quarrel with its rigid demands and observance, however they opposed the tradition that is called the Oral Torah, the instruction that was given to Moses and not included in the written Torah. The Oral Torah was passed down from father to son, from Rabbi to student.

As an example, the Torah stipulates that a fire must not be burnt on the sacred Shabbat. The Oral tradition teaches that one is forbidden to kindle (light) a fire, however, a fire that was burning may continue to burn. The Sadducees understood that it was forbidden to have a fire in one's home on the Shabbat. They honored the Shabbat in cold unheated and dark houses, eating cold food - a somber celebration of that holy day. The oral tradition from Moses was that a fire, which was lit before the Shabbat, may continue to burn. The Pharisees had lit and warm homes with warm food to honor the Shabbat.

This separation from the chain of tradition was a grievous error. It caused each person to interpret the Torah according to his own intelligence. Eventually it caused wide damage in the observance, spirit and unity of the Jewish nation.

The Rabbis warned: like the incense may not be brought in to the Holy of Holies if prepared from the outside, also understanding of the Torah may not be accepted if brought in from the outside. We have a rich tradition which is our link back to Moses and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. As we utilize it, we become enriched, but when we take from the outside, we commit a terrible blunder.

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom!