United States History Student Edition

This 1832 painting depicts the pain and sadness of a Jewish family mourning their forced removal from their homeland during the Babylonian Exile.

According to Jewish belief, the ancient Israelites established a kingdom, became divided into the kingdoms of Israel in the North and Judah in the South, and were conquered in the centuries after the Exodus. In 586 B.C.E., the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar (NEHB•uh•kuhd•NEHZ•zuhr) destroyed the Jewish Temple and forced thousands of people to leave Judah and live in Babylon (BAB•uh•lahn), the Neo-Babylonian capital. While in Babylon, the Jews no longer had a temple in which to worship God and it is believed that small groups of Jews began to meet instead at synagogues (SIHN•uh•GAHGS), or Jewish houses of worship. Scribes were religious scholars who had a deep understanding of the Jewish faith. They taught the Torah, which, combined with writings of the prophets and other religious works, make up the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew Bible presents the laws and rules of the Israelites. It also reflects the culture of the people. Jewish history, art, literature, poetry, and proverbs are part of the Hebrew Bible. The Torah provides teachings for daily living that shaped the family life of the early Jews. For instance, the teachings include instructions about

what foods to eat. Food that is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws is called kosher (KOH•shuhr). It also instructs Jews to observe the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath (SA•buhth). According to tradition, the Sabbath lasts from sundown Friday to nightfall Saturday. During this day of worship and rest, Jews prayed and talked about their religion and history. Jews still observe the Sabbath today. The Torah also instructed Jews to help the poor, deal honestly with their neighbors, and apply laws fairly. Jewish teachings emphasize individual worth and responsibility as well as self-discipline. The teachings also remind Jews of their loyalty to God. This emphasis on the synagogue, teaching, and practical daily life would continue to serve as a framework for Judaism to this day. Judaism would also be shaped by its subsequent encounters with Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. 7 CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING Identifying Cause and Effect How did the Israelites’ beliefs differ from the beliefs of most other ancient peoples? kosher prepared according to Jewish dietary law Sabbath a weekly day of worship and rest Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust A5

synagogue a Jewish house of worship

Album/Alamy Stock Photo