6.3.5 Judaism over the Centuries The Big Idea Although they were forced out of Israel by the Romans, shared beliefs and customs helped Jews maintain their religion. Main Ideas Revolt, defeat, and migration led to great changes in Jewish culture. Because Jews settled in different parts of the world, two cultural traditions formed. Jewish traditions and holy days celebrate their history and religion. Revolt, defeat, and migration led to great changes in Jewish culture. The Zealots, a group of people who thought that Jews shouldnt answer to anyone but God, refused to answer to the Romans and revolted. During the battles, the Second Temple was destroyed. The Romans finally won in AD 73. The Romans killed much of the Jewish population as punishment. Destruction of the Second Temple Revolt Against Rome The Zealots locked themselves in a mountain fortress at Masada. When the Romans finally reached the top in two years, they found the Jews had taken their own lives Revolt Against Rome Results of the Revolt A Second Revolt Jews in Jerusalem revolted against the Romans in the 130s AD. After winning the second revolt, the Romans declared that any Jew caught in or near the city would be killed. This increased Jewish migration to the Mediterranean region. Because the Jews no longer had a single temple in which to worship, local synagogues and rabbis became important in guiding their religious lives. A Second Revolt The Diaspora Migration and Discrimination Yohanan ben Zaccai was a rabbi who founded a school, teaching about Judaism, and training others to be rabbis. Migration and Discrimination Because Jews settled in different parts of the world, two cultural traditions formed. Jewish communities in various parts of the world developed different customs, including language and rituals. Two Cultural Traditions Ashkenazim, is made up of Jews who moved to France, Germany, and eastern Europe. They developed their own language called Yiddish. The Jews in Eastern Europe Sephardim Jews lived in what is now Spain and Portugal. They mixed with non- Jews, borrowing elements from their culture and produced a golden age of Jewish culture. Jews in Spain and Portugal Hanukkah This holy day honors the rededication of the Second Temple. It is celebrated by lighting candles in a menorah. The eight days represent the amount of time the oil burned during the rededication. Hanukkah Passover This is a time for Jews to remember the Exodus. They eat only flat bread and have a ritual meal called the seder. Passover Matzo symbolizes how the Jews left Egypt in a hurry, and did not have time for the bread to rise. Unleavened bread Passover Rosh Hashanah, celebrates the beginning of the Jewish New Year. High Holy Days On Yom Kippur, the most holy day, Jews fast all day and ask God for forgiveness of their sins. High Holy Days Over their long history, the Jews religion and customs have helped them maintain a sense of identity and community