החסידים הראשונים בכתבי פילון ובמסורת העברית

The author sees in this article a continuation of his studies on "The Historical Foundations of the Halacha" (Zion, 5712-1952). He discusses the following chapters in Philo's works: 1) De specialibus legibus II § 42-55 2) De migratione Abrahami § 120-126 3) Quis rerum divinarum heres sit § 1-39 4) De sacrificiis Abelis et Caini § 121-125 5) Quod omnis probus sit § 1-31, 41-73. In the analysis of the above chapters, the author sets out to prove that Philo consistently utilizes Biblical terminology and quotations (to a much larger extent, than has been admitted by modern commentators), as well as the sayings and teachings of Israel's sages in Palestine. These were at times presented in the Talmud and in the Midrash in less complete form than in Philo. From the point of view of subject matter, the author mainly attempts to prove that Philo, in the above chapters, bases the doctrine of the task of the Wise Man = the Righteous One (Tsadik) and the historical position of the Righteous Men = Hassidim on Hebrew tradition both in the past, as well as in the future. The chapters of Quod omnis probus liber sit in particular, serve as an introduction to the subject of the Essenes in the same work, who are identified with the Ancient Hassidim, the "Eshkoloth" of the Mishnah. From such Hebrew sources and circles Philo received the principles of his teachings and his faith. In this manner, e.g., the autobiographical chapter in Spec. leg. III § 1-6, can be explained. There Philo describes his way of life as a Pneumatikos with the aid of typological quotations from the Book of Psalms. The Ancient Hassidim = the Essenes laid the real foundations of the Halacha which is based on the idea of Religious Natural Law. They also created the concept of Divine Powers which was handed down to Philo from Hebrew sources.