THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD

The Community Rule

The Community Rule. Photo © State of Israel

The Community Rule is the code of behaviour of the Dead Sea Sect. It discusses topics related to the sectarians' way of life, such as the acceptance of new members, rules of conduct at communal meals and at meetings, and punishments. The Community Rule helps us to understand some aspects of ancient Jewish society and also the early Christian community.

Read a translation of the portion of the Community Rule that was shown during the exhibit in Gatineau.