Persian Empire and Jewish Return
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Questions and Answers

What title did the Jews bestow upon Cyrus after he overcame the Babylonians?

Mashiach

In which book of the Hebrew Bible is it noted that G-d is with the Jews even in exile, using the metaphor of withering grass?

Isaiah

What was the primary purpose of the clay cylinder Cyrus sent to his empire?

To communicate peace and religious tolerance.

Who were the leaders that returned with the first group of Jews from Babylon to rebuild the temple?

<p>Zerubavel and Sheshbezar</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Tehillim 126, what emotion do the Jews express upon leaving Babylon?

<p>Happiness and appreciation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action did the Samaritans take when Zerubavel rejected their offer to help build the temple?

<p>They complained to the Persians.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges faced the Jews who returned during the second round of redemption in 522 BCE?

<p>Lack of Torah familiarity and threats from Samaritans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Nehemiah's role in his province during the third round of redemption?

<p>Governor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What request did Nehemiah make to Chanani regarding the situation in Israel?

<p>He asked about the state of affairs in Israel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Nehemiah do in response to the troubling news about Israel?

<p>He prayed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What prompted Nehemiah to approach the king regarding his project to rebuild Jerusalem?

<p>Nehemiah approached the king after he observed Israel's bad situation and expressed his sadness over it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific request did Nehemiah make to the king?

<p>Nehemiah requested to be sent to Israel to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long did it take Nehemiah to complete the wall of Jerusalem?

<p>Nehemiah completed the wall in 52 days.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Nehemiah's reaction to the economic exploitation of poor Jews by the wealthy?

<p>Nehemiah reacted with anger and delivered a speech urging compassion and mutual support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did Ezra play upon his return from Babylon?

<p>Ezra served as a religious leader with authority to enact laws and reform Jewish practices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Ezra address the issue of intermarriage among the Jews?

<p>Ezra opposed intermarriage and demanded that those who had married foreign wives divorce them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways did Ezra contribute to the establishment of Jewish law and order?

<p>Ezra changed Hebrew scripts, established courts, and provided financial support for the temple.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Great Gathering organized by Ezra and Nehemiah?

<p>The Great Gathering was significant as it reunited the community and inspired a commitment to keep G-d's laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the covenant of faith that emerged from the gathering?

<p>The covenant of faith included commitments such as prohibiting intermarriage and observing religious laws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Nehemiah's leadership differ from Ezra's in terms of their specific roles?

<p>Nehemiah was a political leader focused on rebuilding, while Ezra was a religious leader focused on spiritual reform.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Persian Empire and Jewish Return

  • Cyrus the Great (539 BCE) conquered Babylon, marking the beginning of the Persian Empire.
  • Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 BCE, establishing the Persian Empire and allowing Jews to return to Judea and rebuild their temple. His policies of religious tolerance were documented in a clay cylinder, earning him favourable recognition among the Jews. allowed Jews to return to Judea and rebuild their temple.
  • Cyrus's policies of religious tolerance were declared in a clay cylinder.
  • Cyrus's actions were viewed favorably by Jews.

Jewish Return to Judea (538-522 BCE)

  • Cyrus's decree enabling return of Jews marked a significant "redemption."
  • Zerubbabel and Sheshbazzar led initial Jewish return.
  • Early return involved utensils and temple materials.
  • Samaritans opposed Jewish temple rebuilding, leading to temporary setbacks.

The Return—Second Wave (522 BCE)

  • A further group of Jews (over 42,000) returned.
  • The returning Jews encountered difficulties, including diminished observance of Torah traditions and Samaritan antagonism.
  • Wealthy Babylonian Jews opted against returning.

Nehemiah's Role (460-440 BCE)

  • Nehemiah, a Persian governor, initiated the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall (445 BCE).
  • Nehemiah's appointment to governorship is historically supported by artifacts like handles, coins, etc.
  • Nehemiah's efforts were met with opposition from Sanballat and the Samaritans.
  • Rebuilding was completed in 52 days according to traditional accounts despite obstacles.

Ezra's Role (460 - 440 BCE)

  • Ezra, a scholar and religious leader, oversaw the standardization of Jewish law and practices
  • Ezra returned to Jerusalem with priests and other Jews
  • He was tasked to promote the strict observance of Jewish law, opposed intermarriage with foreigners.
  • Ezra revitalized Jewish religious traditions and brought Jewish religious law. He established courts for applying and judging in the law

Post-Return Developments

  • Ezra and Nehemiah led a gathering (the Great Assembly) revitalized faith practices, with oaths on intermarriage, holiday observances, temple taxes, etc.
  • The gathering marked a major unification and a boost in Jewish faith.

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Description

Explore the pivotal events surrounding the Persian Empire's influence on the Jewish return to Judea. This quiz delves into Cyrus the Great's decree, the initial return led by Zerubbabel, and the challenges faced by returning Jews. Test your knowledge on this significant historical period and its impact on Jewish history.

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