The Samaritans, or Israelite Samaritans, are an ethnoreligious group tracing their origins to the Hebrews and Israelites of the ancient Near East. Indigenous to Samaria—a historical region covering the northern half of the modern West Bank—the Samaritans follow Samaritanism, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion that evolved parallel to Judaism. Their name, derived from the term “Guardians/Keepers/Watchers” in Hebrew, reflects their self-identification as the preservers of the original Israelite religion.

Origins and Historical Context

The origins of the Samaritans remain a topic of scholarly debate. According to their tradition, they descend from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, survivors of the Assyrian conquest of the northern Kingdom of Israel around 720 BCE. Unlike the Ten Lost Tribes, they were not deported by the Assyrians. Instead, they continued to inhabit their homeland and preserved their ancient traditions.

Jewish narratives, however, claim that the Samaritans descend from foreign populations resettled in the region by the Assyrians. This claim aligns with accounts in 2 Kings 17, which describes a mixed population introduced into Samaria. Despite this divergence, archaeological evidence suggests continuity in the region’s population, with only partial Assyrian deportations.

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Religious Beliefs and Practices

Samaritanism centers on the Torah, which they consider the unaltered word of God. Their sacred text, the Samaritan Pentateuch, differs from the Jewish Torah in several aspects, most notably in identifying Mount Gerizim—not Jerusalem—as the holiest site for worship. Samaritans believe that Mount Gerizim is the true location of significant biblical events, such as the Binding of Isaac.

Their religious practices emphasize strict observance of the Torah’s laws, including Sabbath observance, ritual purity, and the celebration of festivals such as Passover, which includes the traditional sacrifice of lambs on Mount Gerizim. Unlike Rabbinic Judaism, the Samaritans reject the authority of the Talmud and other post-Torah texts.

Schism with Judaism

The division between Samaritans and Jews is attributed to historical and theological differences. According to Samaritan tradition, the schism originated during the time of Eli, a High Priest who they accuse of unlawfully shifting Israel’s central worship site from Mount Gerizim to Shiloh. Jewish traditions, however, associate the division with later events, such as the Babylonian exile or the destruction of the Samaritan temple by John Hyrcanus in 128 BCE during the Hasmonean period.

Theologically, the most significant divide lies in the location of the holiest site: the Temple Mount in Jerusalem for Jews versus Mount Gerizim for Samaritans. This difference has symbolized their enduring separation.

Decline and Survival

The Samaritan population has experienced dramatic declines over centuries due to persecution, forced conversions, and wars. The Byzantine Empire’s suppression of Samaritan revolts in the 6th century marked a turning point, leading to substantial population losses. Later, under Islamic rule, economic hardships and forced conversions further diminished their numbers. By the 19th century, the Samaritan community had dwindled to fewer than 150 individuals.

Modern Demographics and Distribution

As of 2024, the global Samaritan population stands at approximately 900. They are primarily divided between Holon in Israel, where around 460 reside, and Kiryat Luza on Mount Gerizim in the West Bank, home to about 380. Despite their small numbers, Samaritans have maintained distinct traditions and languages, including Samaritan Hebrew and Samaritan Aramaic for liturgical purposes, alongside modern Israeli Hebrew and Levantine Arabic for daily communication.

Cultural and Religious Identity

Samaritans maintain a unique identity as both a religious and ethnic group. Their High Priest—considered a direct descendant of Aaron—serves as their spiritual leader. Since 2013, the position has been held by Aabed-El ben Asher ben Matzliach, the 133rd High Priest.

While the Israeli government recognizes them as a distinct religious community, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel classifies them as ethnic Jews. Samaritans in Kiryat Luza hold dual Israeli and Palestinian citizenship, navigating complex identities in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Neo-Samaritan Movements

In recent decades, Samaritan traditions have inspired interest among communities outside the Levant, such as the Shomrey HaTorah in Brazil. These groups, identifying as neo-Samaritans, observe Samaritan practices and contribute to the global recognition of Samaritan heritage.

Etymology and Self-Designation

Inscriptions from the Samaritan diaspora in Delos (150–50 BCE) refer to them as “Bene Israel” (“Children of Israel”), reflecting their self-view as the true descendants of the biblical Israelites. They also call themselves “Shamerim” (“Guardians”), a term derived from the Semitic root שמר, meaning “to guard or watch.”

Key Texts and Historical Accounts

The Samaritan Pentateuch remains their central religious text, supplemented by other works such as the Samaritan Targum and historical chronicles like the Kitab al-Ta’rikh. Early Christian and Jewish sources, including Josephus, provide additional insights into their history, though often with biases reflecting theological conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary religious text of the Samaritans?

The Samaritan Pentateuch (also known as the Samaritan Torah), which they believe is the original and unaltered version of the Torah given to Moses, is their primary religious text.

How do Samaritans differ from Jews in their beliefs about the holiest site?

Samaritans believe Mount Gerizim, near ancient Shechem, is the holiest site chosen by God, while Jews regard the Temple Mount in Jerusalem as the holiest place.

What led to the decline of the Samaritan population?

The Samaritan population declined due to harsh suppression by the Byzantine Empire, forced conversions under Islamic rule, and later economic hardships and persecution.

Where do Samaritans primarily reside today?

As of 2024, Samaritans live in two main communities: Kiryat Luza on Mount Gerizim in the West Bank and Holon in Israel.

What is the Samaritan view of their schism with Judaism?

Samaritans attribute the schism to Eli, a High Priest who they believe usurped the priesthood and established a shrine in Shiloh, diverging from the original practices on Mount Gerizim.

How do the Samaritans maintain their small community’s continuity?

To combat genetic challenges from endogamy, Samaritan men sometimes marry outside the community, primarily Israeli Jewish or foreign women who agree to adopt Samaritan practices.

What languages do Samaritans use for liturgy and daily life?

Samaritans use Samaritan Hebrew and Samaritan Aramaic for liturgical purposes. In daily life, those in Kiryat Luza speak Levantine Arabic, while those in Holon primarily speak Israeli Hebrew.