קנאי
Kanahi (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 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.
