religious doctrines and rites of the Jews. Judaism was but a temporary dispensation, and was to give way, at least the ceremonial part of it, at the coming of the Messiah. For a complete system of Judaism, see the books of Moses. Judaism was anciently divided into several sects; the principal whereof were the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes.

At present there are two sects among the Jews, viz. the Caraïtes, who admit of no rule of religion but the law written by Moses; and the Rabbinites, who add to the law the traditions of the Talmud.