The Essenes, a religious sect or brotherhood,…

The Essenes, a religious sect or brotherhood, had fled to the Judaean desert wilderness around Qumran during Antiochus IV Epiphanes' persecution of Palestinian Jews.

Like the Pharisees, the Essenes meticulously observe the Law of Moses, the Sabbath, and ritual purity.

They also profess belief in immortality and divine punishment for sin.

Unlike the Pharisees, the Essenes deny the resurrection of the body and refuse to immerse themselves in public life.

With few exceptions, they shun Temple worship and are content to live ascetic lives of manual labor in seclusion.

The Sabbath is reserved for daylong prayer and meditation on the Torah.

Oaths are frowned upon, but once taken they cannot be rescinded.