Samaritanism

Samaritanism is the monotheistic religion of the Samaritans, a small ethnoreligious community of the Levant. It is distinct from Rabbinic Judaism, though it shares elements of the Hebrew Bible. The sacred text is the Samaritan Pentateuch, a version of the first five books of the Bible written in the Samaritan script, which the community uses in liturgy and study.

Historically, Samaritans trace their origins to the Israelites of the ancient Northern Kingdom. Over centuries they developed a religious tradition that diverged from mainstream Judaism, especially after events in late antiquity. The community persisted through centuries of change, maintaining its own practices and institutions in the contemporary era.

Beliefs center on the worship of the God of Israel, identified as YHWH, and adherence to the Torah as revealed to Moses. Samaritans accept only the Pentateuch as authoritative scripture and reject later Jewish writings. They hold Mount Gerizim, near Nablus, as the holiest place and perform rites there, rather than at Jerusalem. A messianic expectation in Samaritan belief centers on a future Taheb, a restorer who will renew true worship and restore the temple.

Practices include strict adherence to the five books of Moses, circumcision, Sabbath observance, and ritual purity laws. The most notable contemporary rite is the annual Passover sacrifice on Mount Gerizim, conducted by priestly descendants of the Samaritan line. Other festivals such as Unleavened Bread and Weeks are observed according to their calendar and liturgy, delivered in Samaritan Hebrew.

Today the Samaritan community numbers about 800 to 1,000 people, living mainly in Kiryat Luza near Mount Gerizim and in Holon, Israel, with smaller communities abroad. They maintain a liturgical tradition, a distinct calendar, and a hereditary priesthood.