How does the Jewish religion shape Jewish way of life? How has the Israelite loss of land from different groups effected their history?

Exile – forced absence from ones’ country Sabbath – weekly day of worship and rest for Jews. From sundown Friday to sundown Saturday Synagogue – Jewish house of worship. Diaspora – the time of the scattering of Jewish people outside of their homeland after the Babylonian Captivity Messiah – a deliverer (one who brings freedom from foreign rule) sent by God Rabbi – Jewish leader and teacher of the Torah

Main Idea: The Jews continue their religion during their exile in Babylon. When the Persian Empire conquered the Chaldeans, the Persian leader named Cyrus the Great allowed the Israelites to return to Judah. Cyrus did not allow the Jews to have their own king, so the Jews relied on their religious leaders (rabbis)

“Cyrus Cylinder” - The cylinder was created in 539 BC, when Cyrus overthrew the Babylonian king. It goes on to describe how Cyrus had improved the lives of the citizens of Babylonia, repatriated displaced peoples (Jews) and restored temples and cult sanctuaries.

Ezra – a Jewish scribe who helped create the Torah, which became the first part of the Hebrew Bible. Included the famous stories of Adam and Eve, the Exodus, and Noah’s Ark. Daniel – advisor of the king who refused to worship Babylonian gods Was thrown into a lions den, but was unharmed Story reminded Jews that God would rescue them

**Jews believe that evil and suffering will eventually be replaced by goodness Christians and Muslims believe the same thing

Alexander the Great – Macedonian king who conquered the Persian Empire. Loved Greek culture and spread Greek ideas everywhere, including Judah.

During this time, Jews were living in many different areas, such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and areas bordering the Mediterranean Sea This time is known as the Diaspora, a Greek word that means “scattered” Remained loyal to Judaism, however, learned Greek culture = copied that Hebrew Bible into Greek, helping people read and understand it. Result - Jewish religion and ideas spread throughout the Mediterranean world.

Maccabees – Jewish group led by Judah Maccabee. Rebelled and drove out the Greeks. Destroyed all traces of Greek gods and goddesses and rededicated their temple to the worship of God.

- They only had enough oil for one night, but it lasted eight nights - The celebration of religious freedom and the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem is called Hanukkah (Chanukah)

Great importance on family = sons especially (carried on the family name) Ruth – Stayed with her mother-in-law even after her husband and sons died. Even moved with her to a foreign land Her courage and devotion to her family was seen as a good example for Jewish girls to follow.

Education was important. Rabbis said “If you have knowledge, you have everything”

Jewish Diet Kosher = “proper”, food must be prepared according to Jewish Law No pork, shellfish, mixing meat with dairy

Jewish clothing – no mixing of some fabrics Kippahs (yamaka) – head covering worn by Jewish men. Started during the Greek occupation as a way to distinguish them from the Greeks and to remind them to think about God.

Romans conquered Judah in 63 BC and renamed it Judaea King Herod (r. 37 BC – AD 4) – Judaea ruler who rebuilt and made improvements to the Temple. Was a powerful, and often cruel leader. After his death, he was replaced by a Roman official Herod’s Tomb

The Dead Sea Scrolls The Dead Sea Scrolls, found in 1947 on the western side of the Dead Sea, contain some of the oldest know biblical text ever found. Helped historians understand more about Judaism during Roman times.

Zealots – Jewish group (A.D. 66) who revolted against the Romans. Romans regained control and destroyed the Temple. All the is left is the Western Wall. Twice a year, rabbis collect hundreds of thousands of notes and bury them on Jerusalem's Mount of Olives.

Many of the people took refuge in the fort of Masada The Romans would surround the fort and hold siege for 2 years. Build a giant ramp to the fort When the Roman got in, all the people inside had already taken there owe lives.

By 132 C.E., the Roman forbid the Jews to enter the city of Jerusalem. The Roman begin calling the region Palestine, referring to the Philistines

Important info to Remember: - Ten Commandments contain two kinds of laws, laws about how to worship & respect God and laws on how to treat other people - The covenant of the Torah (which Moses and the Israelites made with God) was that they will promise to love only one God and will obey the Ten Commandments. In return, God promised to take them back to their Promised Land of Canaan Copying the Torah