EPISODE · Dec 8, 2025 · 10 MIN
Karaites and Karaism in 10 Minutes
from Everything Jewish - 10 Minutes at a Time · host Adam Diament
What if you followed the Torah but skipped the rabbis? That's the heart of Karaism. In Karaites and Karaism in 10 Minutes, we'll explore this Jewish movement that emerged in the early Middle Ages, rejecting the rabbinic Oral Law and sticking strictly to the written Torah. Karaites developed their own interpretations of scripture, their own prayer styles, and even their own calendar, leading to centuries of debate with mainstream Rabbinic Judaism. From their roots in Baghdad to thriving communities in medieval Egypt and later Crimea, Karaites have always marched to the beat of their own drum—sometimes literally, since their practices differ even in synagogue. Today, small Karaite communities still exist, especially in Israel, keeping alive a tradition that challenges the very definition of Jewish authority. Ten minutes, one minority movement, and a reminder that Judaism has never been just one voice—it's always been a conversation.
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Karaites and Karaism in 10 Minutes
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