Those whose name is interpreted as "separated"[1] because they divide and separate themselves from all others both in the utmost purity and strictness of their life and in [their observance of] the commandments of the Law. The scribes also followed the same way of life: they practiced the same life-style, continence and virginity, fasting twice a week, purification of pitchers and plates and drinking-cups, tithes and first-fruits and prayers and the like. [They followed the strictest way of life] with the exception of the marvelous Essenes who were greater by far and very much superior.[2] Paul, of course, zealously practiced the Pharisaic life-style and boasted of it, saying "I am an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee according to the Law."[3]