Test 3 JH

Question 1

Beit HaMikdash

Answer 1

The Beit HaMikdash (Temple) was the central place of worship and a symbol of Jewish identity.
The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE marked a dramatic shift in Jewish religious life.

Question 2

The Destruction - Results

Answer 2

Destruction of the Second Temple led to the loss of Jewish sovereignty.
Massive displacement of Jews, with many exiled or enslaved.
Jewish religious practices had to adapt without a central Temple.

Question 3

The Sects – What happened to them after the Destruction?

Answer 3

Pharisees: Focused on synagogue and Torah study; their teachings evolved into Rabbinic Judaism.
Sadducees: Disappeared, as they were tied to Temple worship and the priesthood.
Zealots: Many were killed or dispersed.
Essenes: Likely disappeared or merged into other Jewish groups.

Question 4

Reactions to the Destruction

Answer 4

Mourning rituals and expressions of grief were common, as reflected in sources like the Mourners of Zion.
Rabbinic responses focused on rebuilding Jewish life and identity.

Question 5

The New Jewish Centre in Yavneh

Answer 5

Yavneh became the center of Jewish life after the Temple’s destruction.
A Sanhedrin (Jewish court) was re-established in Yavneh to preserve Jewish law and practices.

Question 6

R’ Yochanan Ben Zakkai – Accomplishments

Answer 6

Led efforts to preserve Jewish continuity after the Temple’s destruction.
Requested permission from the Romans to establish a school in Yavneh, where Jewish teachings were preserved and advanced.
Advocated for adapting Jewish practices without the Temple, setting the foundation for Rabbinic Judaism.

Question 7

Raban Gamliel – Accomplishments

Answer 7

Nasi (president) of the Sanhedrin at Yavneh.
Strengthened Jewish unity and traditions, including fixing the Jewish calendar.
Played a key role in the Passover seder tradition.
Addressed disputes, such as the conflict with R’ Joshua over leadership.

Question 8

Judea Capta coin (Pg. 220):

Answer 8

A Roman coin commemorating the conquest of Judea.

Question 9

The Arch of Titus / triumph

Answer 9

Depicts Roman triumph after the destruction of the Second Temple.

Question 10

Takkanot

Answer 10

Laws/ Rabbinic decrees issued to address new religious needs post-Temple destruction

Question 11

Reasons for the Bar Kochba Revolt

Answer 11

Roman oppression and harsh policies, especially Hadrian’s decrees, including banning circumcision and the rebuilding of Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina.
Desire for Jewish independence.
Perception that the Messiah would arrive to lead the Jews to victory.

Question 12

Leaders: Bar Kochva + R’ Akivah

Answer 12

Bar Kochva: Claimed to be the Messiah, led the revolt with military strategy and strength.
R’ Akivah: Great Talmudic scholar who supported Bar Kochva as the Messiah, showing his leadership in religious and military affairs.

Question 13

The War: Guerrilla Warfare

Answer 13

The revolt was characterized by guerrilla tactics. ( a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, typically against larger regular forces.)
Bar Kochva’s forces utilized surprise attacks, ambushes, and other non-conventional methods of warfare.

Question 14

Results of the Revolt

Answer 14

Bar Kochva’s forces were initially successful but eventually defeated by the Romans.
Jerusalem was further devastated, and Jews were exiled or enslaved.
Hadrian’s decrees became even more oppressive, including renaming Judea to Palestine.

Question 15

Hadrian’s Decrees

Answer 15

Banning of circumcision.
Outlawing Jewish religious practices.
The rebuilding of Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina, dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter.

Question 16

The 10 Martyrs

Answer 16

Ten prominent rabbis were executed by the Romans for defying Hadrian’s decrees.
R’ Akivah was martyred, symbolizing the Jewish commitment to Kiddush Hashem (sanctifying God’s name).

Question 17

Kiddush Hashem

Answer 17

The concept of dying for one’s faith was solidified, particularly with the deaths of the 10 martyrs.
The idea evolved that Jews should die rather than violate core religious laws.

Question 18

Conflict Between Rabban Gamliel and R’ Joshua

Answer 18

Discussion about where Yom Kippur will land, saying that if everyone had different opinions then judaism will split

Question 19

Dio Cassius

Answer 19

Roman historian who provides an account of the revolt.

Question 20

R’ Akivah

Answer 20

Rabbi akivah supported Bar Kosiba as the messiah, People were divided

Question 21

Bar Kochva Coins

Answer 21

Coins minted during the revolt, symbolizing Bar Kochva’s leadership and Jewish resistance.

Question 22

Aelia Capitolina Coin

Answer 22

Represents Roman control over Jerusalem post-revolt.

Question 23

Bar Kochva’s Leadership

Answer 23

Known for his military strength and resilience, though ultimately unsuccessful.

Question 24

R’ Akivah’s Leadership

Answer 24

His faith in Bar Kochva as the Messiah demonstrated his dedication to Jewish independence.

Question 25

Who used the Guerrilla War

Answer 25

military tactics used by Bar Kochva’s forces. Little army against big

Question 26

Beitar

Answer 26

The last stronghold of Bar Kochva’s revolt, which fell to the Romans.

Question 27

What was the significance of the destruction of the Second Temple?

Answer 27

Major shift in Jewish religious life, focusing on the study of Torah and synagogue services.

Question 28

Who was R’ Yochanan Ben Zakkai?

Answer 28

Key figure in establishing the Jewish center at Yavneh and preserving Judaism after the destruction.

Question 29

What is the importance of Takkanot?

Answer 29

Rabbinic decrees created to adapt Jewish law to the post-Temple world., keep them together

Question 30

What were the key reasons for the Bar Kochva Revolt?

Answer 30

Roman oppression, Hadrian’s decrees, and the hope for a Jewish Messiah. What role did R’ Akivah play in the revolt?

Question 31

What were the results of the revolt?

Answer 31

The defeat of Bar Kochva’s forces, Roman control, and the renaming of Judea as Palestine.