Karaite Judaism facts for kids

Karaite Judaism is a special kind of Judaism. Unlike most Jewish groups, Karaites believe that only the Hebrew Bible is the true guide for their faith. They do not follow the teachings found in the Talmud or Mishnah. These books are explanations of the Bible written by rabbis many centuries ago.

Karaite Jews believe that everyone should read and understand the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) for themselves. They feel it's important to interpret God's word directly, rather than relying on what rabbis have said. Today, many Karaite communities live in Israel. There is also a community in San Francisco, USA.

What Karaites Believe: The Tuv Taam

Karaite Judaism has a list of main beliefs. These are called the "Tuv Taam." This name comes from the first two Hebrew words of this list. These important beliefs help guide their faith:

• There is only one God. He is known as YHWH, and He created everything in the heavens and on Earth.
• The Torah was given by Moses to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Karaites believe this Torah is completely true.
• The Torah is the perfect and true word of YHWH, the God of Israel.
• People who follow the laws in the Torah will have their names written in the Book of Life.
• The spot where the ancient Temple once stood in Jerusalem is a very holy place. When Karaites pray, they face in the direction of this holy site.
• The start of each new Hebrew month is decided by looking at the moon's cycle.
• The Tanakh, which is the full Hebrew Bible, is a book of truth.
• The Jewish year begins when the barley crops start to grow in the land of Israel. This is how they decide the new year according to the Torah.
• All the holidays mentioned in the Torah are important and are celebrated by Karaites.
• YHWH is the ruler of the entire world. He has always existed and will always exist.
• A special time called the Great Day of YHWH will come. On that day, everyone will know His name.

Images for kids

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  The Karaite synagogue in the Old City of Jerusalem.

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  A Karaim synagogue in Trakai, Lithuania.

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  An old order from Pyotr Stolypin, a Russian Prime Minister. It talks about differences in rights for Crimean Karaites and other Jews.

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  The Eupatorian Kenassas of the Crimean Karaites.

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  A Karaite Ṣiṣit with blue threads. This is a special fringe worn on clothing.

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  A Karaite synagogue in Ashdod, Israel.

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  The Karaite synagogue Congregation B’nai Israel in Daly City, California.

See also

In Spanish: Caraísmo para niños