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History of Judaism
The History of Judaism is the history of the Jewish people, their religion and culture, tracing back to the Biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob of the 18th c. BCE. The earliest mention of Israel as a people was discovered in an inscription on the Merneptah Stele from the 1200s BCE.
1,396 Questions
What kind of truth were the Hebrews writing about in genesis 1 verses 2-25?
The Creation, the existence of God, the existence of the human soul and free will, and our responsibility to God.
Note that Genesis, along with the entire Torah, was not invented by the Hebrews. It was dictated by God (Exodus 24:12).
Did the Essenes live in the desert?
The Essenes were an ascetic community of men who were noted for their strict discipline, isolating themselves away from others. They expected the world to end shortly and headed off to live in the desert by the Dead Sea to escape the depravity and corruption of city life, and preparing for the End of Days. Additionally, it was easier to avoid persecution by leaving society behind.
Who were leaders of judaism and facts about them?
All of the dates and information provided below are based on the Jewish Torah, Talmud and oral tradition. Note that many hundreds of names and dates have been omitted for the purpose of brevity, and descriptions have been kept to a minimum. See the highlighted Related Links for more complete detail.Creation: 3760 BCE.
The Flood: 2104 BCE.
Era of the Patriarchs:
- Avraham, founder of Jewish belief, born 1812 BCE (= "Before the Common Era"). Abraham founded the tradition of monotheism, which is the belief in One God. (See: A biography of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)
- Yitzchak (Isaac), second of the Avot (Patriarchs), born 1712 BCE.
- Yaakov (Jacob), third of the three Patriarchs, born 1652 BCE.
- Yosef (Joseph), born 1563 BCE, became Viceroy of Egypt. (See: Joseph's importance)
- The sojourn in Egypt was 1522-1312 BCE. The enslavement in Egypt began in 1428 BCE.
Moses and Joshua:
- Moshe (Moses) was born in 1392 BCE. He played a key role in the Exodus, and brought down the Two Stone Tablets from God. (See: A biography of Moses and Joshua)
- The forty years in the Wilderness were 1312-1272 BCE.
- The Israelites crossed the Jordan into Canaan, 1272 BCE. Yehoshua (Joshua, died 1244 BCE), leader after Moses, led the conquest of Canaan. His period of leadership was 1272-1244 BCE.
Era of the Judges: (See also: Who were the Judges?) The era of the Judges was 1244-879 BCE. Here are some of the prominent Judges:
- Devorah became leader in 1107 BCE. She was a female Torah-sage and Judge who led a miraculous victory over a Canaanite king (Judges ch.4-5).
- Gideon became Judge in 1067 BCE. He led a miraculous victory over the Midianites (Judges ch.6-8).
- Yiphtach (Jephthah) became leader in 982 BCE. He led a miraculous victory over the Ammonites (Judges ch.11).
- Shimshon (Samson) became leader in 951 BCE. This Judge had unequaled strength and subdued the Philistines for many years (Judges ch.13-15).
- Shmuel (Samuel) became leader in 890 BCE. He marked the transition from Judges to Kings. (See: More about Samuel)
Era of the Kings: The era of the Kings lasted until the destruction of the First Temple in 422 BCE. (See also: Who were the Kings?) Here are some of the prominent kings, prophets and events:
- Shaul (Saul), died 876 BCE, was first of the Kings. 1 Samuel ch.8-31.
- King David reigned 40 years, from 876 BCE.
- The building of the First Temple commenced in 832 BCE, by King Solomon, who reigned 40 years. See 1 Kings ch.6-8. The First Temple stood for 410 years.
- Yerav'am ben Nevat (Jeroboam) took power in 796 BCE. He split the Ten Tribes (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) away from the southern Tribes (the Southern Kingdom) of Judah and Benjamin (1 Kings ch.12). (See: Why did the Ten Tribes break away from Judah?)
- Eliyahu (Elijah), 8th century BCE, famous prophet. See 1 Kings ch.17 until 2 Kings ch.2.
- Yeshayahu (Isaiah), best-known of the Prophets, began his prophecies in 619 BCE. (See: What was the role of the Prophets?)
- Exile of the Ten Tribes by the Assyrians to points unknown, in 555 BCE. (See: Where are the Ten Tribes?)
- Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) began his prophecies in 463 BCE. Warned about the impending Destruction.
- Yechezkel (Ezekiel) prophesied, 429 BCE.
- Destruction of the First Temple, in 422 BCE.
Era of the Babylonian Exile (422-352 BCE):
- Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream in 421 BCE.
- Zerubavel led the Jewish return to Israel (Judea) in 371 BCE, after King Cyrus of Persia permitted it. 18 years later, another wave of Jews returned with Ezra, while Nehemiah oversaw the rebuilding of the walls.
- The events of Purim (Scroll of Esther) were in 355 BCE. (See: More about Esther)
Second Temple Era (352 BCE-68 CE):
- Building of the Second Temple, 352 BCE. The Second Temple stood for 420 years. Soon after its construction, prophecy ceased.
- Anshei Knesset HaGedolah - The Men of the Great Assembly. This Sanhedrin (high court of sages) sealed the canon of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). (See: The history of the Hebrew Bible)
- Alexander the Great, 313 BCE.
- Shimon HaTzadik died in 273 BCE. One of the early sages.
- Writing of the Septuagint, in 246 BCE.
- The revolt of Mattityahu the Chashmona'i (Hasmonean), against the Syrian-Greeks, in 168 BCE.
- The miracle of Hanukkah, 165 BCE. (See: more about Hanukkah)
- Sh'lomit (Queen Salome) ruled 73-64 BCE. A brief period of peace in the turbulent Second Temple era.
- The Romans gained control of Judea in 61 BCE.
- Hillel, died 8 BCE. A beloved sage, famous for his humility.
- Agrippa I (grandson of Herod) ruled, 21 CE (= "Common Era"). A rare instance of a benign Roman ruler. Not to be confused with the wicked Agrippa II, who began ruling 35 years later.
- Christianity started spreading around this time, but not among the Jews. (See: Why the Jews didn't accept Jesus)
- Destruction of the Second Temple, 68 CE. (See: Destruction and Diaspora)
Era of the Mishna and Talmud-sages:
- Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, died 74 CE, gained the favor of Vespasian and managed to rescue a number of leading Torah-sages and brought them to the yeshiva (Torah-academy) in Yavneh. (See: What Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai did for Judaism)
- Betar fell, and Bar Kochba's revolt ended in tragedy, 133 CE.
- Rabbi Akiva, died 134 CE, was a leading Torah-sage throughout the Roman upheavals.
- Rabbi Judah Hanassi, died 188 CE, completed the redaction of the Mishna (Oral Law), based on ancient tradition.
- Rav (Rabbi Abba Aricha) left Israel and settled in Babylonia, 219 CE. Founded the yeshiva (Torah academy) of Sura. Died 247 CE.
- Rabbi Yochanan was the leading Talmudic authority, 254 CE. Redacted the Jerusalem Talmud.
- Rabbi Yehudah was the leading Talmudic authority, 298 CE. Disciple of Rav.
- Abayei and Rava were the leading Talmudic authorities, 325 CE. These two participated in the redaction of the Babylonian Talmud.
- Rav (Rabbi) Ashi was the leading Talmudic authority, 392 CE.
- Final redaction of the Talmud, 475 CE. It was put in writing 25 years later.
Era of the Geonim (Torah-leaders in Babylonia):
- The yeshiva of Pumbeditha was reopened (after Persian persecutions), 589 CE. Era of the Geonim begins.
- The yeshiva of Sura was reopened, 609 CE.
- Rabbi Yitzchak was the last Gaon (sage) of Neharde'a (Firuz-Shabur). 636 CE.
- Rabbi Achai Gaon left Bavel (Iraq) for Israel, 755 CE.
- The Halakhot Gedolot, an early codex of halakha (Torah laws), was written at this time. 759 CE.
- Rabbi Amram (who put the Siddur [prayerbook] in writing), became Gaon (Torah-leader) of Sura. 858 CE.
- Rabbi Saadya (882-942) was appointed Gaon of Sura, 928 CE. He led opposition against the breakaway Karaites.
- Four sages were taken hostage and ransomed at around this time, 955 CE. This event contributed to the spread of Torah-learning to lands other than Babylonia.
- Rabbi Sherira (906-1006) became Gaon of Pumbedita, 968 CE.
- Rabbi Hai Gaon (939-1038), last of the leading Babylonian Torah sages.
European Jewry:
- Rabbi Gershom Me'or HaGolah (c.960-1040) was the sage who decreed against Jewish polygamy.
- Rabbi Isaac Al-Fasi (1013-1103) was the author of a major compendium of Halakha.
- Rashi (Rabbi Shelomo Yitzchaki, 1040-1105), author of the greatest of the Talmud commentaries.
- First Crusade, 1096. First recorded blood libel, 1144.
- Rabbenu Tam (Rabbi Yaakov Tam, 1100-1170), a leading Talmudist. He was a grandson of Rashi.
- The Rambam (Maimonides), 1135-1204, author of several major works in halakha and Jewish thought.
- A massive burning of the Talmud by anti-Semites took place in Paris, 1242.
- The Inquisition began to use torture, 1252.
- The Ramban (Nachmanides), 1194-1270, author of a leading commentary on the Torah.
- All Jews were expelled from England, 1290.
- The Maharam (Rabbi Meir) of Rothenburg (1215-1293), last of the Tosafists (early Talmud-commentators).
- The Ralbag (Rabbi Levi ben Gershom), 1288-1344, author of a commentary on the Bible.
- Rabbi Nissim (1320-1376), and other Torah-scholars in Spain, were imprisoned. 1367.
- The expulsion of Jews from France, 1394.
- Rabbi Yosef Albo (1380-1444) was in a forced debate with Christians, 1413.
- The invention of printing, 1440s.
- Rabbi Ovadya Bertinura (1445-1515), Rabbi in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) from 1488, author of the leading commentary on the Mishna.
- Jews expelled from Spain and Sicily, 1492.
- Rabbi Yitzchak Abarbanel (1437-1508), Rabbi in Naples from 1493. Author of a book on Jewish thought.
- All Jews were expelled from Portugal, 1496.
- The Turks (Ottoman Empire) conquered the land of Israel, 1516.
- Rabbi Joseph Caro (1488-1575) published the Shulchan Arukh, a leading text of Jewish law, in 1566.
Later Rabbis and events:
- Rabbi Isaac Luria (1534-1572), was a leading kabbalist.
- The Maharal (Rabbi Loewe), 1512-1609, Rabbi in Prague from 1573. Maker of the legendary Golem.
- Rabbi Shmuel Eidels (1555-1631), Rabbi in Lublin from 1614, author of a leading Talmud commentary.
- Rabbi Yoel Sirkes (1561-1640), author of a major commentary on the Shulchan Arukh.
- Rabbi Shabsei Cohen (1621-1662) and Rabbi David Halevi (1586-1667) publish leading commentaries on the Shulchan Arukh in 1646.
- Chmielnicki massacres, 1648-9.
- Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1746), author of a famous text on piety.
- Rabbi Israel Ba'al Shem Tov (1700-1760), founder of modern Hassidism.
- The Pale of Jewish Settlement was established in Russia, 1791.
- The Vilna Gaon (Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, 1720-1797), famous Talmudist.
- Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724-1806), sage and biliographer.
- Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810), charismatic pietist and Hassidic leader.
- Rabbi Yisrael Salanter (1810-1883), founder of the modern Mussar movement.
- Rabbi Meir Malbim (1809-1879), opponent of the secularists (Haskalah), authored a major commentary on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).
- Rabbi Israel Meir Kohen (Chafetz Chaim), 1838-1933, beloved pietist and Talmudist.
- Wave of Russian pogroms begins, 1881.
- Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried (1804-1886), author of the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch.
- Rabbi Abraham Karelitz (Chazon Ish), 1878-1953, leading Torah sage in Israel from 1933.
- Germany started World War II, and mass killing of 6 million Jews, 1939.
When were Jews expelled from England?
The Jewish population of England, which had been living in England at least from the time of the Norman Conquest and likely since Roman times, were expelled in 1290 by a decree of Edward I of England. Before that, many were killed in pogroms.
Jewish people were not allowed back into England until the mid 17th century.
What event discriminated against jews?
The Hadrianic persecution, when Rome, under Hadrian, killed an estimated half-million Jews and enslaved many (quite probably another half million)? Or do you mean the Crusades, when most of the Jewish communities of the Rhineland were destroyed, driving Jewish refugees east into Poland? Or do you mean the Bubonic Plague, when Jewish communities across Europe were murdered or expelled for causing the plague? Or do you mean the expulsion of Jews from England in 1290? Or do you mean the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492? Or do you mean the expulsion of Jews from Lutheran lands in Germany during the Reformation, which drove more Jews into Poland? Or do you mean the Khmelnytsky Uprising in Poland, which decimated the Jewish community in what was then Polish Ukrane? Perhaps you are referring to the pogroms, anti-Jewish rioting encouraged by the Russian governments between 1880 and 1920 that drove millions of Jews to flee to Western Europe and the Americas? Or do you mean the Holocaust, orchestrated by Nazi Germany?
Is it true that Judaism did not exist 60000 years ago?
Tradition states that Abraham founded Judaism in the 18th century BCE.
Abraham was gifted with high intelligence; and, as Maimonides (1135-1204) describes, Abraham didn't blindly accept the ubiquitous idolatry. The whole populace had been duped, but the young Abraham contemplated the matter relentlessly, finally arriving at the conclusion that there is One God and that this should be taught to others as well. This is what is meant by his "calling out in the name of the Lord" (Genesis ch.12). As a young man, he remonstrated with passersby in public, demonstrating to them the falsehood of their idols; and our tradition tells how he was threatened and endangered by Nimrod.
Subsequently, Terah relocated to Harran; and it is here that Abraham began to develop a circle of disciples (Rashi commentary, on Genesis 12:5). Later, God told Abraham in prophecy to move to the Holy Land, which is where he raised his family. He continued his contemplations, eventually arriving at the attitudes and forms of behavior which God later incorporated into the Torah given to Moses.
Abraham became the greatest thinker of all time. His originality, perseverance, strength of conviction, and influence, cannot be overestimated.
He founded the Jewish people and lived to see his work live on in the persons of Isaac and Jacob; and he taught many other disciples (Talmud, Yoma 28b).
Abraham entered into a covenant with God (Genesis ch.15 and 17), welcomed guests into his home (Genesis ch.18) unlike the inhospitable Sodomites (Genesis ch.19), prayed for people (Genesis ch.18), eulogized and buried the deceased (Genesis ch.23), and fulfilled God's will unquestioningly (Genesis ch.22). He became renowned as a prince of God (Genesis 23:6).
The practices of Abraham were based upon the ways of God. These were the teachings of Abraham and his descendants (unlike idolatry, which had no moral character; with worship of the gods accompanied by things such as human sacrifice, "sacred" prostitution, and animal worship). It is therefore clear why God expresses His love for Abraham (Isaiah 41:8) and calls Himself the God of Abraham (Genesis 26:24), and says that Abraham obeyed Him fully (Genesis 26:5).
The gravesite of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives (Genesis 49:29-32) is located in Hebron and has been known and attested to for many centuries.
How was the ancient Hebrew religion different from the other religions in the area?
Another answer from our community:
The Hebrew religion was monotheistic (or at least monolatrous, a forerunner of monotheism) whereas the Egyptians and Mesopotamians were polytheists. The religion of the Hebrews was also based entirely on ethical behavior, whereas the other two were based on explaining nature.
What did the israelites believe their God is?
Here are some of the Israelite beliefs.
1. God exists, and is the Creator.
2. God is One and unique.
3. God is not physical.
4. God is eternal.
5. Prayer is to be directed only to God.
6. The words of the prophets are true.
The prophecies of the Hebrew Bible have been coming true throughout history. Even secular archaeologists (the unbiased ones) have stated that the Hebrew Bible is the most accurate of historical records, as the disdainful theories of Wellhausen and Bible-critics of his ilk have been shattered by the archaeologist's spade. A list of Bible verses which were deemed anachronistic but later shown to be perfectly accurate would run into the many hundreds.
When did the distinction between Ashkenazi and Sefardi first appear?
In the countries of Jewish exile, various differences (in customs, etc.) gradually appeared, starting as early as 2500 years ago; while others began later. Some were due to diverging halakha (Torah)-opinions, some were due to contrasts in local dress and cuisine (etc.), and others were because of intrinsic differences in ways of thought and behavior, which might have gone all the way back.
Rabbi Isaac Halevi (1847-1914) puts forward the opinion that the Sephardim can be traced back to the Babylonian Jewish community, while the Ashkenaz Jews hailed from Italy (Bari, Otrento and Lucca), to which they had come from Judea.
Who were the ruling governors of Israel while the Israelites were in Egypt?
A few Hebrew families fled to Egypt about 1850 BCE. The remainder remained in Palestine. They were a group of tribes known to the Egyptians as 'Habiru'. With perhaps 100 people involved in the flight to Egypt, it is difficult to describe them as the Israelites, of believe the fantasy biblical stories that on their return to Israel after 300 years 100 people had bred up to the nearly 3,000,000 claimed in the bible. These are myths of the Jewish people and need to be taken as such.
The Habiru tribes in Palestine were a loose federation. Again the stories of around 1,000 BCE of David and Solomon also need to be taken in this context - they still were a loose group of tribes known to the Egyptians as living in the hills of Judea. Why are there no remains of Solomon's palaces? The beginning of the Israelites as an historical state begins from about 800 BCE.
What was one achievement of the Exodus?
The Exodus is something for which we Jews remain eternally grateful to God. It is one of the reasons given for our observance of God's commands.1) It was the fulfillment of one of God's promises to Abraham (see Genesis ch.15).
2) It demonstrated God's involvement in this world and in the workings of history.
3) It showed that God's covenant with the Forefathers was still in effect.
4) It was the main preparation for the Giving of the Torah at Sinai several weeks later.
5) It made the Israelites into a distinct nation.
6) In the Exodus, God did miracles for which we remain grateful to this day.
See also:
What position did the Pharisee Gamaliel take on the treatment of Jewish Christians?
Basically, the Pharisee Gamaliel pointed out to the Jews that in the past others have come and stirred up a movement which, when the leader died, so did the movement soon afterwards. He suggested that they leave the Apostles alone and if it is not from God it too would die out. But if it were God's will, there truly was nothing any human could do to stifle it.
Acts 5:33-39New International Version (NIV) 33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
Answer:
On the contrary, Rabbi Gamliel instituted a daily paragraph of prayer directed against the early Christians and other non-traditional groups (Sadducees, Essenes). Talmud, Berakhot 28b. Thus, while he didn't call for violent means, he did however invoke God to intervene.
How was it to get married as a Jewish person at the time of Jesus?
Tough because your parents decided everything - you had no say in anything (if you were a girl).
What ancient empire made slaves of the people of Judea?
The Ancient Egyptian empire made slaves of the people of Judea.
Where did Abraham go to and why?
Abraham traveled to the land of Canaan because God told him to.
God said he would make a 'great nation' out of Abraham(Genesis 17:5) and He would give his descendants a land of their own (Genesis 12:7).
The fulfillment of this promise began when God commanded Abraham to move to Haran (Acts 7:2-4; Genesis 15:7; Nehemiah 9:7). He and his family left Haran in 1943BCE (Genesis 12:4) crossing the Euphrates River, and heading through Damascus and Shechem (Genesis 12:6)into Canaan. He moved into the mountainous regions between Bethel and Ai, and then, because of a famine, moved into Egypt.(Genesis 12:8-10). He then went to the Negeb and back to his previous encampment in the mountains(Genesis 13:1-3), and he remained in this land of Canaan and in Hebron(Genesis 13:12+18) and among the 'Big trees of Mamre' (Genesis 18:1)where the fulfillment of God's first promise to Abraham would take place(Genesis 13:14-17)(Genesis 15:18-21). He then moved between Kadesh and Shur, in Gerar(Genesis 20:1). Later, he traveled to Moriah to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice, as a test of faithfulness(Genesis 22:1-14). When he passed this test successfully, God made another promise through Abraham, about the coming Messiah(Abraham's seed-Matthew 1:1,2+16/Hebrews 11:17/Romans 8:32) by whom 'all nations of the earth will bless themselves'(Genesis 22:15-18/1 John 4:9/John 3:16). Abraham then moved to Beersheba (Genesis 22:19) and was buried in the cave of Machpelah in the field of Ephron(Genesis 25:8-10)
What was Abraham's first son called?
According to the Old Testament text, Abraham's first son was Ishmael.
How was the Jewish faith to God tested?
Every difficulty in torah-matters, or persecution against the Jews is, among other things, a test of their faith in God.
When were yarmulkas first worn?
Jewish males cover their heads with a kippa and/or a hat, as a reminder of the presence of God. This practice is twice mentioned emphatically in the Talmud (Shabbat 156b; Kallah 1:16), in statements dating back 1700 and 1850 years, respectively. Even then, covering one's head is spoken of as an established practice, not something new.
The Yiddish word for kippah, "yarmulkah," is a contraction of the Aramaic "yerei malkah": to be aware of the King.
Note that Jewish married women traditionally cover their hair (Talmud, Ketubot 72b). This is for the purpose of modesty - only her husband should see her beauty - since the hair is considered beautiful (Talmud, Berakhot 24a).
