CHARAIMS, a sect of the Jews in Egypt. They
live by themselves, and have a separate synagogue;
and as the other Jews are remarkable for their eyes,
so are those for their large noses, which run through
all the families of this sect. These are the ancient
Essenes. They strictly observe the five books of Mo-
ses, according to the letter; and receive no written
traditions. It is said that the other Jews would join
the Charaims; but those not having observed the ex-
act rules of the law with regard to divorces, these think
they live in adultery.