TEMPLE DESTRUCTION AND EXILE TO BABYLON P4.1

Question 1

Source

Answer 1

A significant challenge that Judaism faced was the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people from the Land of Israel (Kingdom of Judea) to Babylon. In 586 BCE, Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar invaded and destroyed Jerusalem, a war of conquest, exiling the Jewish people to Babylon.

Question 2

At the time…

Answer 2

During this time period, the essence of Jewish life was dependent on living in the Land of Israel where God’s laws (ethics) could be fulfilled. The Temple of Jerusalem, which housed the holy of holies containing the original Torah and Tablets of Moses, was a direct link to God where adherents could connect with God’s presence.

Question 3

Aspects challenged

Answer 3

Belief
- The Temple was fundamental to Jewish existence and identity, as it was the site where the covenantal relationship between God and Jewish people was expressed. Therefore the validity of this central belief, of an “everlasting covenant” (Genesis 17:7) between God and the Jewish people, was challenged, undermining the theology of Judaism

Symbol
- When the Temple was destroyed and the Ark of the Covenant was lost, a symbol of God’s presence, the direct mode of communication with God was severed.
- crisis in faith

Ritual of animal sacrifice - the means by which to worship God, connect with God, express belief and faith in God, and practise Judaism.
- Unable to fulfil the ritual of sacrifice and the practice of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, to the Temple for the three pilgrimage festivals (shalosh regalim) and sacrifice.

Social structure
- leadership of Kohanim (Priests) had a role in the Temple to officiate the ritual of sacrifice and following the destruction, they were unable to fulfil their role, leading to a leaderless community.

Question 4

Types of challenge

Answer 4

Theological, continued existence

Question 5

Significance

Answer 5

The challenge brought about significant changes to the way Judaism was practised. These changes still affect Judaism today.
Belief and practice weakened, undermining Jewish religious existence and continuity.

Question 6

Stance

Answer 6

• Acknowledgement of the challenge and determination to resist the effects of assimilation in exile.
• Stance taken by new leadership (authority structures) and members - to bring about change and ensure continuity.
• Change necessary to continue the practice of Judaism in exile.

Question 7

Supporting response
Social structures

Answer 7

• The scholars became Rabbis - meaning the Jewish people were able to take a stance. Members of community looked to Rabbis to learn what to do
• Rabbis reaffirmed beliefs and built new structures for social, cultural and religious life.

Question 8

Supporting response
Rituals

Answer 8

• Social structures took the initiative and created new rituals preserving the relationship with God.
• Ritual of daily prayer replaced sacrifice (new framework for sacred dialogue with God), in Houses of Prayer (Synagogues) which replaced the Temple.
• Ritual of facing the direction of Jerusalem (sacred place) during prayer

Question 9

Supporting response
Texts

Answer 9

• New emphasis on texts - Torah scrolls - study, reading of the laws aloud, teaching, explaining God’s words/expectations to the people.
• A number of new texts emerged further explaining the teachings of the Torah
  Talmud Bavli - Babylonian Talmud - the oral law written down
• Learning and studying was the new focus

Question 10

Supporting response
Babylonian society

Answer 10

• Authority/the King played a role in the Jewish people’s ability to take a stance - allowed them to integrate, live freely, to settle in one area, permitted Jewish practise, did not oppress
  “They were not persecuted in Babylon” Armstrong, A history of Jerusalem