Legends of the Lost Tribes Chapter 12 - The Karaites of Poland and Lithuania

“Legends of the Lost Tribes” is an invitation to explore the hidden history of the Hebrew faith, to extend beyond the boundaries inherent in the concept of the “Jewish People”. The essence of the Hebrew movement, of which Judaism is only a small fragment, has touched the whole of mankind. The Karaite movement began as an offshoot of Judaism in 8th century Iraq. Denying all authority, rabbinical or otherwise, the Karaites obey only the letter of the Old Testament. After 50 years of Communist oppression, the Karaites of Lithuania deny any connection whatsoever to Judaism. They speak and pray in a turkic dialect, which is according to them a remnant of their Khozar heritage. Still their strict observance of Jewish Law is uncompromising. Today, these East-European communities are on the verge of extinction.