INTRODUCTION TO WORLD

RELIGIONS AND BELIEF

SYSTEMS
PREPARED BY: JB B. DEMEGILLO
Activity: Timeline of Jewish History
Objective: To create a timeline highlighting key events and developments in the history of
Judaism.
Materials Needed: Paper, markers, timeline template (optional), access to research
materials (books, internet).
Instructions:
Research (10 minutes): Provide participants with a list of key events and developments in
Jewish history. Ask them to research these events and note down important dates, locations,
and significance.
Timeline Creation (15 minutes): Divide participants into small groups and provide them
with a timeline template or large sheets of paper. Ask each group to create a timeline of
Jewish history, placing the events in chronological order and including brief descriptions or
illustrations for each event.
Group Presentation (10 minutes): Have each group present their timeline to the rest of the
class. Encourage them to explain the significance of each event and how it contributed to the
overall history of Judaism.
GROUP 1- Biblical Times

GROUP 2- Many Jews return from Babylonia; Temple rebuilt

GROUP 3- Land conquered by Alexander the Great; Hellenistic rule

GROUP 4- Maccabean (Hasmonean) revolt against restrictions on

practice of Judaism and desecration of the temple

GROUP 5- Jewish autonomy under Hasmoneans

The history of Judaism is rich and complex, spanning thousands
of years and encompassing a wide range of cultural, religious,
and historical developments. Here is a brief overview of key
periods and events in the history of Judaism:
Ancient Origins (c. 2000 BCE - c. 500 BCE): Judaism traces
its origins to the ancient Israelites, a group of Semitic-speaking
people who lived in the region of Canaan (modern-day Israel
and Palestine). According to Jewish tradition, the covenant
between God and Abraham established the foundation of the
Jewish faith.
Exodus and Covenant (c. 13th century BCE):
The Exodus from Egypt, led by Moses, is a central event
in Jewish history. According to the Torah, God revealed
the Ten Commandments and other laws to the Israelites
at Mount Sinai, establishing a covenant with them.
Monarchy and Temple Period (c. 1000 BCE - 586
BCE): The period of the Israelite monarchy saw the
establishment of the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom
of Judah. The First Temple in Jerusalem was built by
King Solomon and became the centre of Jewish worship.
Babylonian Exile and Return (586 BCE - 516 BCE):
The Babylonian Empire conquered the Kingdom of Judah and destroyed
the First Temple in 586 BCE. The Babylonian Exile followed, during
which many Jews were taken captive to Babylon. The Persian Empire
later conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem
and rebuild the Temple.
Second Temple Period (516 BCE - 70 CE):
The Second Temple period was marked by the rebuilding of the Temple
in Jerusalem and the flourishing of Jewish religious and cultural life.
However, it was also a time of political upheaval, with Judea coming
under the rule of various empires, including the Greeks and Romans.
Diaspora and Rabbinic Judaism (1st century CE - present):
The destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE
marked a turning point in Jewish history. With the loss of the
Temple, Jewish religious life shifted from a focus on sacrificial
worship to a more decentralized form of worship centred on
synagogues and study of the Torah.
This period also saw the development of Rabbinic Judaism,
which emphasized the authority of the rabbis and the
importance of Jewish law (halakha).
Medieval and Modern Periods:
Throughout the medieval and modern periods, Jews
experienced both periods of prosperity and persecution. They
lived in various regions around the world, maintaining their
religious and cultural identity while also adapting to the societies
in which they lived.
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 marked a
significant milestone in Jewish history, providing a homeland for
the Jewish people after centuries of dispersion.
1. What are the origins of Judaism, and how do they relate to the
broader history of the ancient Near East?
2. How did the concept of the covenant between God and the Israelites
shape early Jewish identity and belief?
3. What role did figures like Abraham, Moses, and David play in the
development of Judaism?
4. How did the Second Temple period influence the evolution of Jewish
religious practices and beliefs?
5. What factors contributed to the development of Rabbinic Judaism
after the destruction of the Second Temple?
Reflection:
Overall, the history of Judaism is a testament to the
strength of faith, the power of community, and the
importance of cultural continuity. It reminds us of the
enduring legacy of a people who have overcome
adversity with resilience and grace, leaving a profound
impact on the world in the process.