קדושת ירושלים: בין חז"ל להלכה הכתתית

This article analyses the differences of opinion between the Pharisaic Sages and sectarian halakhah during the Second Temple period with regard to the halakhic status of Jerusalem. The article treats in detail both the principle disagreement betwen the two groups as well as the internal differences within the sectarian halakhah. The various disagreements are examined in the light of the contrasting systems of biblical exegesis, since the source of the problem is in contradictory biblical verses on the subject. During the discussion the meaning of the term Bet ha-Behirah is clarified as well as the changes it underwent.