Discover the History of Israel and the Jewish People

The fig tree in ancient Israel Fig trees were a common sight in ancient Israel, thriving in the Mediterranean climate. Their fruit was a staple in the diet of the people, and they were often planted near homes and along paths. The tree’s ability to produce sweet, nourishing fruit made it a valuable resource, and its presence was a sign of a well-tended land. In biblical times, owning a fig tree was a mark of prosperity. The phrase “each man under his vine and fig tree” became a symbol of peace and security. It suggested a life without fear, where...

Who Are the Samaritans? The Samaritans trace their lineage back to the ancient Israelites, specifically to the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Their history diverged from mainstream Judaism after the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel in the 8th century BCE. While Jewish tradition often viewed them with suspicion, the Samaritans maintained their own version of the Torah and built their religious life around Mount Gerizim, which they consider the true holy site chosen by the Creator. Today, the Samaritan population numbers fewer than 1,000 individuals, making them one of the smallest and oldest ethnoreligious groups in the...

The Setting: A People on the Run After centuries of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were finally free. Led by Moses, they began their journey toward the Promised Land. But freedom was not immediate safety. Pharaoh, having second thoughts about releasing his labor force, sent his army to pursue them. The Israelites found themselves trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian forces. Fear gripped them. It seemed like their newfound freedom would be short-lived. In this moment of crisis, Moses turned to the heavens and was instructed to raise his staff over the waters. As he did, the sea...

The First Temple and Its Destruction Before we can understand the Second Temple, we must first look at the First Temple. Built by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE, the First Temple stood as the spiritual heart of ancient Israel. It was a majestic structure, filled with symbolic meaning and sacred rituals. For centuries, it was the central place of worship for the Jewish people. But in 586 BCE, tragedy struck. The Babylonian Empire, under King Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem. The First Temple was destroyed, and many Jews were taken into exile in Babylon. This marked the beginning of a...