Lesson 3 and 4

​Lesson 3

​In 586 B.C.E., King Nebuchadnezzar forced thousands of Judeans to move from Judah to Babylon.

• They spent 70 years in exile and became known as Jews, practicing Judaism.

• Jewish scholars started writing down their religious teachings.

​The Babylonian Exile

• Without a temple, Jews worshiped in synagogues.

• They observed the Sabbath from Friday night to Saturday night.

• Rabbis helped keep Jewish traditions alive.

Worship in Babylon

Multiple Choice

Where did Jews worship during the Babylonian exile?

• Temples
• Synagogues
• Schools

• Some Jews stayed in Babylon, but others returned to Judah in 538 B.C.E.

• Persian King Cyrus II allowed them to rebuild Jerusalem and the Second Temple.

• Jewish culture and religion grew stronger under Persian rule.

Rebuilding Judah

• Jewish scholars wrote the five books of the Torah.

• The Hebrew Bible has three parts: Torah, Prophets, and Writings.

• It contains history, laws, poetry, and moral lessons.

• The 1st book Genesis discusses: The creation of the world, language and the idea of good and evil.

The Hebrew Bible

Multiple Choice

What information is presented in Genesis, the first book of the Hebrew Bible?

• The creation of the world and humanity

• The laws given to Moses

• The life and teachings of Jesus

• Families were led by fathers (patriarchal society).

• Women could own property but had fewer rights than men.

• Education was important—boys learned how to read the Torah.

• Girls learned household skills and Jewish traditions.

• The story of Ruth teaches about loyalty and family.

Jewish Family Life

Multiple Choice

In ancient times, Jewish boys were taught to read so they could

• 
  become scribes.

• 
  work in the government.

• 
  study the Torah.

• Kashrut laws decide what food is kosher (acceptable to eat).

• Kosher laws include:

• Meat must be prepared a special way.

• No mixing of meat and dairy.

• Forbidden foods include pork and shellfish.

• Special meals, like the Passover Seder, have religious meaning.

Jewish Dietary Laws

Multiple Choice

Why did ancient Jews follow strict dietary laws?

• 
  to show their obedience to God

• 
  to help prevent famine

• 
  to protect certain animals

• In 331 B.C.E., Alexander the Great conquered Judah.

• Many Jews spread across different lands (Diaspora).

• The Hebrew Bible was translated into Greek.

• Greek culture influenced Jews, sometimes causing conflict.

Greek Rule and the Diaspora

Multiple Choice

How did Jewish ideas spread through the Mediterranean world after Alexander the Great’s conquests?

• Jews translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek.

• The Greeks adopted the Jewish belief in one God

• Jews founded new schools in the Promised Land.

• In 167 B.C.E., Jews were forced to worship Greek gods.

• Judas Maccabeus led a revolt and reclaimed the Temple.

• Hanukkah celebrates this victory.

Revolt of the Maccabees

• In 63 B.C.E., Rome took control of Judah (renamed Judaea).

• King Herod ruled under Rome and rebuilt the Second Temple.

• High taxes and Roman rule caused tension.

Roman Rule

• Pharisees: Focused on the Torah and synagogue worship.

• Sadducees: Priests who followed written law and cooperated with Rome.

• Essenes: Lived separately, waiting for God’s salvation.

• Zealots: A group that fought against Roman rule.

Jewish Groups Under Roman Rule

• In 66 C.E., the Zealots attacked the small Roman army in Jerusalem and won.

• Four years later the Romans took back the city, destroyed the Second Temple leaving the Western Wall standing.

Jewish-Roman Wars

Multiple Choice

What happened after the first Jewish revolt against the Romans, which took place in the 60s C.E.?

• Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

• The Western Wall was built in Jerusalem.

• 
  Jews were forbidden to live in Jerusalem.

• In 132 C.E, Simon be Kosiba AKA Bar Kochba led a battle for freedom.

• Romans win and forbid Jews to live or visit Jerusalem

• The Romans rename Judaea and called it Palestine.

Jewish-Roman Wars part 2

Multiple Choice

What happened after the second Jewish revolt against the Romans, which took place in the 130s C.E.?

• Romans enslaved many of the Jews.

• The Zealots came to power in Judaea.

• 
  Jews were forbidden to live in Jerusalem.

• Even though the Jews lost their independence, religious leaders, rabbis brought them together.

• Yohanan ben Zakkai started a school to learn the Torah which inspired other rabbis to do the same.

• The rabbis came together to create the Mishnah and later the Talmud.

The Rabbis

• Jewish history shows resilience through exile and rebuilding.

• Jewish traditions continue to shape the world today.

• Despite challenges, Jews maintained their identity.

• Their teachings influenced Western civilization.

Conclusion