Joseph Kaifa Character Analysis in The Master and Margarita

Joseph Kaifa is the high priest of the Jews. He is insistent that Yeshua must be executed, instead choosing to pardon Bar-Rabbin (it is customary to pardon one prisoner on the eve of Passover). It later becomes clear that Kaifa, or his associates, paid money Judas in exchange for information leading to Yeshua’s arrest.

Joseph Kaifa Character Timeline in The Master and Margarita

The timeline below shows where the character Joseph Kaifa appears in The Master and Margarita. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

The Ambiguity of Good and Evil Theme Icon

With Yeshua gone, Pilate is visited by Joseph Kaifa, the high priest of the Jews. In honor of the great feast Passover, the Sanhedrin... (full context)

Pilate apologizes to Joseph Kaifa for getting “carried away.” With their entourage in tow, they head to the Yershalaim stadium,... (full context)

The Danger and Absurdity of Soviet Society Theme Icon

Aphranius explains that Judas is to receive money from the palace of Kaifa for turning in Yeshua. The procurator says he has received information that Judas will be... (full context)

...discuss the potential assassination of Judas, saying it will cause trouble for the high priest Kaifa and will “cause a very great scandal.” Aphranius points out that it will be difficult... (full context)

Niza gets changed and sneaks out of her house. Meanwhile, Judas visits the high priest Kaifa to receive his money for turning in Yeshua Ha-Nozri. Niza finds Judas near a market... (full context)

...Judas, forcing him to tell them how much money he received from the high priest Kaifa. Begging for his life, Judas hands over the “thirty tetradrachmas.” Just then, one of the... (full context)

...the Passover meal. Aphranius informs him that the purse was thrown over the wall of Kaifa’s palace. Aphranius suggests that Judas may have travelled away from the city in order to... (full context)

Aphranius adds that no one at Kaifa’s palace will admit to paying Judas any money, which Pilate suggests will make it “much... (full context)