Chapter 12 “Learning About World Religions: Judaism” Essential Question—What are the central teachings of Judaism and why did they survive to modern day?

Background Information: Divisions, Invasions, and the Start of the Jewish Diaspora Kingdom of Israel split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah after King Solomon died. The division weakened the kingdoms Assyria conquered Israel and took its leaders Babylon invaded Judah Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to the city of Jerusalem Nebuchadnezzar burned down Solomon’s great Temple. Most people were exiled Jewish Diaspora begins

The Central Teachings of Judaism Judaism—World’s oldest monotheistic religion. Judaism teaches that God is the source of morality (standards of right & wrong). *Ethics In your opinion, how do you know what is right and wrong? Is it ethical (right) to steal from someone rich and give to the poor? Or is that bad? Jews learn about their religion by studying sacred texts. Jews feel that God is close to them in their daily lives through study & prayer.

The Central Teachings of Judaism The commandments tell people how to lead upright and honorable lives. You shall not murder, you shall not steal, etc. Do you believe humans need reminders to be good? OR can we be good on our own?

Equality & Social Justice Two important values that have influenced societies are equality & social justice. What is equality? What is social justice?

Equality & Social Justice Many sayings in the Hebrew Bible, teach about treating everyone fairly. Do you agree with this? Is this possible? Is it possible for a teacher to treat everyone fairly?

Learning & Studying Studying the Hebrew Bible, is very important to Judaism. The Talmud, contains oral tradition along with academic analyses. The Talmud became a basic source of Jewish law. Throughout history, Jews have emphasized the importance of studying and learning. How has this helped this religion thrive and prosper?

Foreign Rule The invasion of Judah, the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple threatened the survival of Judaism. How would you feel about being exiled, scattered, and returning to your land to find it dominated by foreign rulers? The Jewish captives lived in Babylon for about half a century. From then on, Jews outside their homeland prayed to return. In 539 BCE, the Persians conquered the Babylonians. Persian king (Cyrus), ended the Jews’ exile.

Foreign Rule Many Jews returned to Judah, where Cyrus allowed them to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and to practice their religion. For nearly 400 years, Judah was ruled by foreigners. After the Persians came the Greeks. The foreign rulers were often harsh. Eventually, the Jews rebelled and started a war that spanned more than 20 years. They drove the Greeks from Jerusalem and reclaimed their Temple. (Jews today celebrate Hannukah in honor of this victory).

BIG QUESTIONS How far would you go to defend your beliefs? Would you go to war? Would you rebel?

Rule by the Romans For ~80 years after the war with the Greeks, the Jews lived as an independent kingdom…but then they fell under Roman rule. 50,000 Jews were brutally executed under Roman rule. However, Romans did allow Jews to practice their own religion and to govern some of their own affairs. The Jews eventually rose up against the Romans (66 CE) For 3 years they managed to keep the Romans out. Then in 70 CE, a Roman military leader (Titus) led an army of 60,000 soldiers against the Jews. The Jews fought back fiercely but were outnumbered.

Rule by the Romans They watched the Romans destroy their great Temple in Jerusalem. In 135 CE, the Romans put down another Jewish revolt. The Roman victory began the final exile of the Jewish people form their homeland. Romans forbade Jews from entering Jerusalem. They lost their homeland and their holy city. Despite all this, Judaism was able to survive and flourish. Next, we will learn how the Jews preserved their faith.

Preserving the Teaching of Judaism One rabbi who helped preserve Judaism was Yohanan ben Zaccai. Ben Zaccai begged the Jews to surrender to save Judaism. When they refused, he decided to approach the Romans for help. (He worried that if the rabbis died in the fighting, then Judaism might not survive). Is this back stabbing or helping save his culture? * (Pair Share)

Preserving the Teaching of Judaism Ben Zaccai had himself smuggled out of Jerusalem in a coffin. He met with a Roman general and gained permission to open a Jewish school called Yavneh. When Jerusalem, Yavneh became the center of Jewish learning. Zaccai and his friends taught new rabbis. Teachers came from many places to study at Yavneh, then they would return to their communities. Rabbis at Yavneh made sure that Jews still had leaders to guide them.

New Teachers & Practices The rabbis at Yavneh introduced new practices. They made the synagogue important. “Synagogue” = house of worship Made Jewish communities stronger. Rabbis also created a religious service for synagogues with prayer & study of sacred texts. These new practices helped Jews preserve their religion in communities around the world.  Jews have faced prejudice and persecution, but they have kept their faith. *

Final Remarks In 1948, a new Jewish state, Israel, was created in the area where David and Solomon once ruled. Jewish people from many places settled in their ancient homeland.