ויתד תהיה לך על אזנך (דברים כ"ג : י"ד)
In the times of the second Bais Hamikdosh there were various
different kinds of sects and cults in the Jewish community. One of the cults,
were the” Issi’im” whom Chazal called “Tovlei Shachris”.(went to the
Mikveh every morning). This cult didn’t last because they did never got
married.
They were a very interesting cult.. They considered Tahara and
hygiene as one and were very strict about it. They went to the Mikveh several
times a day. They went to the Mikveh before the meals, after relieveing
themselves and if they touched someone who was from a lower cast of the four
groups. They claimed to have prophecy because of the holy lifestyle they
followed.
It took a few years to join the cult . There were four groups a)
children b) first year in training c) additional two years training d) full
fledged members. Once one graduated to full member status they presented him
with white clothing an apron to cover themselves when relieving and
a shovel to cover it up.
They had many Chumros in Hilchos Shabbos. They claimed all
utensils even a כלי
שמלאכתו להיתרare
Muktzah. Shovels which are מלאכתו לאיסור was for sure Muktza even when used לצורך גופו . They would not use the washroom the whole Shabbos because they
couldn’t use the shovel.
makor?
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