A point can be made that certain of the Hasmoneans were both connected to Hellenistic Judaism and in conflict with Pharisees. As such, the anti-Pharisaic element to be found in the Hellenistic Judaism 'branch' preceded Philo of Alexandria. It's not necessary to find any particular antagonism in the writing of Philo, a significant philosopher in the vein of Hellenistic Judaism, to be able to describe these as forms of Judaism that were in opposition to one another. He didn't start the fire.
A sequence of three Hasmonean rulers (ca. 134 BCE - 76 BCE) pursued a strategy that put their support behind Hellenistic Judaism: this included making connections with Rome and Greek cities, garnering support from Jews in Egypt at the Ptolemaic Court, taking the Greek name Aristobulus as well as Philhellene, taking the Greek name Alexander, leveraging the Jewish community in Egypt diplomatically, supporting the faction of the Sadducees, and repeatedly coming into conflict with the Pharisees, most dramatically by crushing a rebellion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hyrcanus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristobulus_I
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Jannaeus
While writers connected with Hellenistic Judaism may not have had anti-Pharisaic motivations in their writing, as they may have been comfortably distant from the conflicts with the Pharisees from their vantage point in Alexandria, it's possible to note the differences and, sometimes and at some points, a conflict between supporters of the two camps.
A sequence of three Hasmonean rulers (ca. 134 BCE - 76 BCE) pursued a strategy that put their support behind Hellenistic Judaism: this included making connections with Rome and Greek cities, garnering support from Jews in Egypt at the Ptolemaic Court, taking the Greek name Aristobulus as well as Philhellene, taking the Greek name Alexander, leveraging the Jewish community in Egypt diplomatically, supporting the faction of the Sadducees, and repeatedly coming into conflict with the Pharisees, most dramatically by crushing a rebellion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hyrcanus
Hyrcanus sought for good relations with the surrounding Gentile powers, especially the growing Roman Republic. Two decrees were passed in the Roman Senate that established a treaty of friendship with Judea. Although it is difficult to specifically date these resolutions, they represent efforts made between Hyrcanus and Rome to maintain stable relations. Also, an embassy sent by Hyrcanus received Roman confirmation of Hasmonean independence. Hyrcanus was an excellent case of a ruler backed by Roman support.
In addition to Rome, Hyrcanus was able to maintain steady relations with Ptolemaic Egypt. This was probably made possible due to various Jews living in Egypt who had connections with the Ptolemaic Court (Ant. 13.284–287). Finally, the cities of Athens and Pergamon even showed honor to Hyrcanus in an effort to appease Rome.
... Josephus only reports one specific conflict between Hyrcanus and the Pharisees, who asked him to relinquish the position of High Priest (Ant. 13.288–296). After this falling-out, Hyrcanus sided with the rivals of the Pharisees, the Sadducees. ...
In addition to Rome, Hyrcanus was able to maintain steady relations with Ptolemaic Egypt. This was probably made possible due to various Jews living in Egypt who had connections with the Ptolemaic Court (Ant. 13.284–287). Finally, the cities of Athens and Pergamon even showed honor to Hyrcanus in an effort to appease Rome.
... Josephus only reports one specific conflict between Hyrcanus and the Pharisees, who asked him to relinquish the position of High Priest (Ant. 13.288–296). After this falling-out, Hyrcanus sided with the rivals of the Pharisees, the Sadducees. ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristobulus_I
Aristobulus was the first Hebrew king to claim both the high priesthood and the kingship. The Sadducees and the Essenes were not concerned about Aristobulus taking the title of king, but the Pharisees, believing that the kingship could only be held by the descendants of the Davidic line, strongly opposed this. They launched a massive rebellion, but Aristobulus died before any attempt to depose him could be made. ...
The name Aristobulus is of Greek origin and is an epithet meaning "best-advising." Aristobulus I was the first Hasmonean to adopt the name, but his Hebrew name was Judah. He was also referred to as Philhellene, meaning he was an admirer of Greek culture. Josephus does not explain why he was called this.
The name Aristobulus is of Greek origin and is an epithet meaning "best-advising." Aristobulus I was the first Hasmonean to adopt the name, but his Hebrew name was Judah. He was also referred to as Philhellene, meaning he was an admirer of Greek culture. Josephus does not explain why he was called this.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Jannaeus
Like his brother, Alexander was an avid supporter of the aristocratic priestly faction known as the Sadducees. ...
Bowing before her, he requested to retain his rule. Cleopatra was urged by her subordinates to annex Judea. Ananias demanded she consider the residential Egyptian Jews who were the main support of her throne. This induced Cleopatra to modify her longings for Judea. Alexander met her demands and suspended his campaigns. ...
Jannaeus had brought the surviving rebels back to Jerusalem where he had eight hundred Jews, primarily Pharisees, crucified.
Bowing before her, he requested to retain his rule. Cleopatra was urged by her subordinates to annex Judea. Ananias demanded she consider the residential Egyptian Jews who were the main support of her throne. This induced Cleopatra to modify her longings for Judea. Alexander met her demands and suspended his campaigns. ...
Jannaeus had brought the surviving rebels back to Jerusalem where he had eight hundred Jews, primarily Pharisees, crucified.
While writers connected with Hellenistic Judaism may not have had anti-Pharisaic motivations in their writing, as they may have been comfortably distant from the conflicts with the Pharisees from their vantage point in Alexandria, it's possible to note the differences and, sometimes and at some points, a conflict between supporters of the two camps.
Statistics: Posted by Peter Kirby — Wed Dec 11, 2024 8:48 pm