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The Jewish Exile and Diaspora — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging passage explores the exile and diaspora of the Jewish people from ancient Israel, focusing on key events such as the Babylonian Captivity and Roman dispersal. Students will examine how geography, conquest, and social structures shaped Jewish history and identity. Using evidence from archaeological finds and primary sources, the passage traces cause-and-effect relationships and change over time, while highlighting the significance of the diaspora on both Jewish and world history. Accompanying activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, glossary, and a Spanish translation. The passage and resources are aligned with California History-Social Science Standard 6.3.3 and Common Core ELA standards CCSS RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.2, and WHST.6-8.2. A read aloud audio and a public domain historical image further support comprehension and engagement.

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Cyrus Freeing the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity MET SF48 68 img2 — Cyrus Freeing the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity MET by Johann Andreas Thelot / Wikimedia Commons

The diaspora refers to the dispersal of the Jewish people from their ancient homeland of Israel to many regions around the world. This process began over 2,500 years ago due to a series of conquests, forced migrations, and changing political powers in the ancient Middle East. The Jewish exile is a key example of how historical events and geography shaped the development of civilizations and cultures.

One major turning point was the Babylonian Captivity. In 586 BCE, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II conquered the Kingdom of Judah, destroyed Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, and forced thousands of Jews into exile in Babylon. Archaeological discoveries, such as clay tablets listing Jewish names in Babylon, provide evidence of this forced migration. During their years in Babylon, the Jewish people struggled to maintain their religious practices and community identity. Despite living far from Jerusalem, they continued to observe their traditions and laws, including the Sabbath and dietary customs.

The return from Babylonian exile occurred in 538 BCE, when the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. Some Jews returned to rebuild the Temple and restore their homeland. However, many chose to remain in Babylon or migrate elsewhere, such as Egypt or Persia. This period marked the beginning of a wider Jewish diaspora. Over the next centuries, Jewish communities formed in cities across the Mediterranean, including Alexandria and Rome. Archaeological evidence reveals Jewish synagogues and inscriptions in these cities, highlighting their ongoing connection to their heritage while adapting to new cultures.

Another significant dispersal happened after the Roman conquest of Judea. In 70 CE, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem and expelled many Jews from the region. The Jewish diaspora expanded as families settled across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Despite loss and hardship, Jewish communities maintained religious traditions, developed new forms of worship such as the synagogue, and contributed to the societies where they lived. Their experiences show the resilience of a people facing repeated exile and adaptation to different environments.

The exile and diaspora of the Jewish people had a profound impact on world history. Jewish communities influenced the societies they joined, while preserving unique religious, cultural, and social practices. Their story illustrates how migration, conquest, and geography can shape the fate of a civilization over time.

This history connects to broader themes of ancient civilizations, showing how people respond to challenges and maintain identity across changing historical landscapes.

Interesting Fact: The world’s oldest known synagogue outside Israel, in Egypt’s city of Alexandria, dates back to around the 3rd century BCE.

Who conquered Judah in 586 BCE?

Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar IIPersian king CyrusRoman emperor AugustusGreek king Alexander

Which event allowed Jews to return home?

Persian conquest of BabylonGreek rule in EgyptRoman destruction of the TempleFounding of synagogues

Where is the oldest synagogue outside Israel?

Alexandria, EgyptBabylonRomeJerusalem

Why did the Jewish diaspora grow after 70 CE?

Romans expelled JewsJews wanted to travelBabylonians invited themEgyptians offered land

How did Jewish people keep their identity?

Kept religious traditionsForgot their customsChanged religionsMoved to one city

What is an example of archaeological evidence?