An indepth analysis of the three major sects of Judaism at the end of the Second Temple era, and how Judaism as we know it came about. Included is a discussion of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the surprising origins of the Talmudic Sages.

For the class on the Essenes, the Hebrew Calendar, and the Book of Jubilees, see here:    • Shavuot and the Book of Jubilees  

Further Reading:

'The Mystery and Mysticism of the Essenes': https://www.mayimachronim.com/themys...

On Herod and 'How Esau Became Rome': https://www.mayimachronim.com/howesa...

'Who Was the First Rabbi?': https://www.mayimachronim.com/whowas...



The Midrash about the progression of mitzvot from Noach to Sinai can be found in Midrash Mishlei 31:5, and is also cited by Rabbeinu Bechaye on Exodus 20:17.