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The '''Pharisees''' were scrupulous observers of the [[Bible|Biblical]] law and representatives of the religious views, hopes and practices of the [[Jew]]ish people in the Second Temple.  The Pharisees opposed the priestly [[Sadducees]] who were not as great in number, but had political power.  The term "Pharisees" derives from "Perisha" (the singular of "Perishaya"), which means "one who separates himself."  In a religious sense it meant a group that separates itself from impure persons and things in seeking a higher level of holiness as desired by [[God]].

The '''Pharisees''' were intellectuals who scrupulously observed the [[Bible|Biblical]] law.  The Pharisees were the leaders of [[Jew]]ish people in the Second Temple.  The Pharisees opposed the priestly [[Sadducees]] who were not as great in number, but had political power.  The term "Pharisees" derives from "Perisha" (the singular of "Perishaya"), which means "one who separates himself."  In a religious sense it meant a group that separates itself from impure persons and things in seeking a higher level of holiness as desired by [[God]].

At times [[Jesus]] was very critical of the Pharisees, as observed in the [[Gospels]].  After the Jewish struggle with [[Rome]] (A.D. 66-135) that ended with the [[diaspora]], Pharisaism became virtually synonymous with [[Judaism]] itself.

At times [[Jesus]] was very critical of the Pharisees, as observed in the [[Gospels]].  After the Jewish struggle with [[Rome]] (A.D. 66-135) that ended with the [[diaspora]], Pharisaism became virtually synonymous with [[Judaism]] itself.