Geography and Origins
Located along the Mediterranean coast, this promised homeland served as the central geographic setting for the ancient Israelite people.
What is Canaan
Facing external military threats from rival groups, this leader became the very first king chosen to unite the Israelite tribes.
Who is King Saul
While neighboring ancient societies worshipped many gods, the Israelites stood out by practicing this
What is monotheism
This ruler of Babylon destroyed the walls of Jerusalem, burned the temple, and exiled its populace.
Who is Nebuchadnezzar II
Led by a family of freedom fighters, this successful revolt freed Judea from foreign control and inspired the celebration of Hanukkah.
What is the Maccabean Revolt
Received by Moses at Mount Sinai, these laws provided a core moral foundation and civil guidelines for Israelite society.
What are the Ten Commandments
Famous military leader of the Israelites who wins the battle of Mount Tabor
Who is Deborah
Composing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, this sacred written text contains the fundamental laws and history of the Jewish faith.
What is the Torah
Demonstrating tolerance, this Persian ruler issued a decree in 538 B.C. allowing exiled Jews to return to their homeland.
Who is Cyrus the Great
Anti-Roman freedom fighters who made a famous final stand against Roman forces at the cliffside fortress of Masada.
Who are the Zealots
According to Israelite tradition, this patriarch made a sacred covenant, or binding agreement, with God to move his family to the promised land.
Who is Abraham
Famous for his victory over Goliath, this monarch consolidated the Israelite kingdom and established Jerusalem as its capital city.
Who is David
Dietary guidelines in Jewish tradition specify clean and unclean foods as well as proper preparation methods.
What are kosher laws
In 722 B.C., this aggressive Empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and forcibly relocated its population.
DAILY DOUBLE: This sacred Jewish text serves as the basis of commentary on the Torah and other part of the Hebrew Bible
Led by Moses, this famous historical journey involved the departure of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to seek freedom.
What is the Exodus
Renowned for his wisdom, this Israelite ruler organized large-scale construction projects, including the magnificent First Temple in Jerusalem.
Who is Solomon
The Sabbath, which is observed weekly by Jewish people as a day of rest is practiced during this time period
What is Friday night to Saturday night
Beginning in 586 B.C., this period of exile followed the conquest of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans and the destruction of its First Temple by invaders.
What is the Babylonian Exile
This famous Greek empire conquered the Jews and desecrated the Second temple
Who are the Seleucids
This leader led the Israelites into the Promised Land, after their journey from Egypt
Who is Joshua
Following the death of King Solomon in 922 B.C., political tension led to the permanent division of the nation into two kingdoms, which kingdoms were in the north and south, and how many tribes were in each
What is the 10 tribes of Israel in the North, and the 2 tribes of Judah in the south
The 3 different sections of the Hebrew Bible
Upon returning to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile, Jewish leaders directed the reconstruction and dedication of this sacred worship building
What is the second temple
This famous Jewish holiday represents the re-dedication of the second temple after a famous Jewish Revolt
What is Hannukah