The Jewish Temple Why was the Temple Important Zion Theology Symbol of the chosen people A king, a capital, and a nation Choose Jerusalem as their capital

First Temple Period 1020 BCE – 598 BCE Jewish Kingdom of Judah Capital city in Jerusalem Centre of political and religious power Royal Palace and Temple Zion Theology Jerusalem was like a modern day New York, Paris, or Tokyo

Decline of First Temple Period Very rich and powerful Enjoyed God’s favour Jews lost interest in religion Surrounded by powerful countries Tried to play these nations off against each other During this time, other worldly things became more important to the Jews. They felt like they had everything they needed…and therefore, didn’t need God anymore.

Babylonian Exile 597 BCE All middle and upper classes of Judah relocated Babylonians destroy temple Outlaw Judaism End of the Jews? End of the world?

During Exile Jews no longer have a temple Begin writing down their faith Local teachers (Rabbis or Pharisees) help people learn their faith Start going to synagogues Similar to Star Wars, after the destruction of Judaism, those who remained worked hard to mentor new Jews to carry on the faith.

New Beginnings 538 BCE Babylonians defeated by Persians Cyrus the Great Allowed to return Laid Foundations for a new Temple PERSIAN RULER CYRUS THE GREAT Dubbed “God’s Anointed” by the Jewish People

Rebuild the Temple

Greek Rule Greek Superpower rising Alexander the Great Conquers Mediterranean and Middle East Hellenization

Maccabean Revolution Revolt against Greek Generals Judas Maccabeus Retake the Temple Hanukkah Become Independent in 142 B.C.

Internal Fighting 100 years of Independence Different groups fighting for control Sadducees invite Rome 63 B.C. Rome takes over Palestine

Jesus’ Time 63 years before Jesus’ birth, Rome had conquered the Middle East Priests loyal to Rome Betrayed the Religion Jesus’ warning in Mark

Destruction of Temple 70 CE, Revolt in Jerusalem suppressed Temple destroyed Two Jewish groups survive – Rabbinic – Christians

The Wailing Wall

Synagogue Shabbat (Sabbath) Torah Scrolls Rabbi Star of David Menorah

Bat Mitzvah / Bar Mitzvah Coming of Age Understand the faith for oneself

Yom Kippur New Year’s Celebration September or October Day if Atonement and Repentance

Hannukah Jewish identity Originates from Maccabean Revolt Commemorates retaking of the temple

Passover Liberation from Egypt Passing on of History Symbolic meal

Jews and Culture in History Most of Jewish history, Jews maintained independent identity Accomplished this in two ways Independent Nation Local communities set apart from main culture Conflict when came into contact with other cultures This conflict is not unique to Judaism

Enlightenment Period 17 th and 18 th centuries Mysticism and Religion being replaced with reason and science Migration from rural farms to cities How should Jews respond to changes Above picture shows the advances of industry, mass production, and efficient shipping. Left picture shows the novel Frankenstein, one of the fundamental questions author Shelley asks is how far should science go?

Orthodox Judaism Live by ancient Jewish laws 613 Laws Accept Torah written by Moses Worship in Hebrew

Hasidic Jews Israel ben Eliezer Large following in Eastern Europe Emphasize Joy and Humility

Conservative Reaction to Reform Judaism Worried reform movement no longer Jewish Divine origins of Judaism, but humans help shape it too Do not follow all 613 laws Flexibility interpreting the law Application and interpretation of the law always requires a slick lawyer

Reform Judaism Originally developed in Germany Wanted to partake in intellectual freedoms Modern methods for looking at scripture (redaction criticism) Services held in the vernacular Female rabbis Individualism

Zionist Movement Zionist theology existed in ancient world Remerged in late 19 th century Gained momentum after the Holocaust (Shoah) 1947, Israel re-established by U.N.