SS Chapter 7.2 Continuing Traditions

The MaccabeesIn 332 B.C., the Judeans faced the Macedonian emperor, Alexander the Great(Greek)
Before, Jewish people were allowed to practice their religion but Alexander the Great outlawed Judaism and forced them to worship Greek gods.

Judah Maccabee led a revolt known as the Revolt of the Maccabees
He recruited thousands and led to recapture Jerusalem and all of Judaea
He restored Jewish worship in the Temple
In 63 B.C., the Roman Empire took control of Judaea and chose loyal Jewish kings
The Jews were mistreated so they rebelled
When the second Temple was destroyed, Rabbi Yohanan ben Zaccai established a Jewish school in the south of Jerusalem. This grew as the center of Jewish life and synagogues continued to help Judaism survive
In A.D 132, the Jewish people, led by Simon Bar Kokhba tried to overthrow the Romans
However, they were crushed and sent to exile
They would not rule Judaea again for 1,800 years
The Greeks ruled Judaea until
Judah Maccabee led a revolt and
recaptured Jerusalem. The Roman
Empire took control of Judaea and
eventually sent nearly all of the
Jews into exile.
The Writings of JudaismThe Hebrew Bible is both history and literature
The Hebrew Bible has three parts:
The Torah, or “the Law” (this includes the 10 commandments)
Nevi’im, “the Prophets” includes words of Prophets who spoke to Jews as representatives of God
Ketuvim, “the Writings” Ketuvim includes stories
The most popular, a story about friendship and loyalty
Ruth
Genesis, the first book of the Torah, describes how God created the universe
The most famous story, Noah’s Ark.

Because the Torah is difficult to understand, scholars created writings called Commentaries to explain questions

Rabbi Hillel devoted life to studying and teaching the Torah

Jewish traditions and InfluenceRosh Hashanah
First day of Jewish New Year
Beginning of the ten High Holy Days
Day of judgment
Examines their actions and reflect on sins
Yom Kippur
Last of the High Holy Days
Day of Atonement (asking for forgiveness)
Jewish traditions and InfluenceJudaism influenced Christianity and Islam
Christianity
Founded on Jesus
Islam
Believe Muhammad as God’s final prophet
Muhammad claims to be descendent of Abraham’s son, Ishmael.
They all share a belief in one God
Jewish traditions and Influence