Jewish History
Jewish history spans over 3,000 years, beginning with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the ancient Near East. The Hebrews, later known as Israelites, formed a kingdom under figures like David and Solomon. After subsequent conquests and exiles, including Babylon (586 BCE), the Jewish people experienced a diaspora, spreading worldwide. In the Middle Ages, they faced persecution but contributed significantly to culture and scholarship. The Holocaust (1941-1945) devastated European Jewry, prompting the establishment of Israel in 1948. Today, Judaism reflects a rich spiritual tradition amid ongoing challenges and achievements within a diverse global community.
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Jewish history spans thousands of years, beginning with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in ancient Mesopotamia. The Israelites' Exodus from Egypt, led by Moses, formed their identity, followed by the establishment of Israel and the Temple in Jerusalem. Conquered by various empires, Jews faced diaspora and persecution, notably during the Roman destruction of the Temple in 70 CE. Throughout the Middle Ages, they encountered both flourishing cultures and oppression, leading to the Holocaust in the 20th century, where six million Jews were murdered. Today, Jewish life encompasses diverse traditions, with Israel as a cultural and religious hub.