View source for קנאי

'''Kanahi''' ([[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: '''קנאי''', plural: ''kanahim'', '''קנאים'''); is a term given for a "zealot". It literally means one who is "jealous" on behalf of God. The modern Kna Jews of Karela who explain the etymology of their name through this word. Geneticaly their paternities are a mixture of Cuthites, Israelites and other Hebrews, strongly indicating a near eastern origin mixed with Elamites. They continue an oral tradition which explains the origin of the Kenite people of Jethro and Qainan.

==The first kanahi==

The first ''kanahi'' mentioned in the scriptures ([[Tanach]]) is ''[[Phinehas, son of Eleazar|Pinchas]]''.

Pinchas was rewarded by God for his zealotry because he didn't act out of hate or for any personal gain. He meant solely for the sake of God.

[[Harvey Falk]] wrote that the Zealots during the Helenistic Roman period were employed by Beth Shammai.

In modern history ''Kano'is'' (zealotry) has taken on new meanings. While during the previous centuries ''Kano'is'' was considered a positive attribute, which simulated the zealotry of Pinchas; the ''kanaim'' of today are considered by many religious Jews as fanatic. Those feelings became more pronounced when a delegation of the ''Neturei Karta'' attended the conference in Tehran on [[Holocaust Denial]]. Many Jewish organizations including the Anti-Zionist [[Satmar]] issued a formal protest.

==Kanahim of the 18th century==
Rabbi [[Jacob Emden]] who fought the remnants of the [[Sabbateans]] was considered a ''kanahi''. He is also known to have received an accurate tradition concerning [[عيسى]].


[[Category:History of Noahism]]