Major Turning Points In Jewish History

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Jonathan Pauker Introduction to Jewish History: From the Bible to Spanish Expulsion Final: Take-Home Essay December 13th, 2012 Major Turning Points in Jewish History Throughout history, Judaism has been forced to change and adapt continuously. Ever since Abraham was contacted by God and until the Spanish Expulsion, Jews witnessed several important and dramatic ruptures. However, I consider some more important and influential than others. In this paper I will argue that the three major turning points of Jewish history are: the life of Abraham and the origins of Jewish history, the Parting of the Ways between Judaism and Christianity, and the flourishing of Medieval Jewish philosophy. The first major turning point in Jewish history…show more content…
During this period (8th-15th centuries CE), a high percentage of Jews lived under Muslim rule. The Muslims at that time wrote poems that served as a form of entertainment and a way to express concerns. The Jews at the time were heavily influenced by Hellenistic philosophy, but with time adopted certain aspects of Muslim philosophy. Philosophers at that time were not only deep thinkers, but mathematicians, astrologists, and various different areas of study. This is a major turning point in Judaism because at this time, the population was “enlightened” in the aspect that religion and science could coexist. “Those who acknowledge the truth will accept as the best proof for the Creation the fact that everything in Nature serves a certain purpose, so that one exist for the benefit of another.” Maimonedes’ deep influence in Judaism was mainly creating a belief that God and science could coexist. Jews with time endorsed his philosophy becoming well-educated. His philosophy also helped Jews have a connection with the Gentile…show more content…
However, I believe that three events have had a deeper influence than others. First of all, the life of Abraham is one of these because he was promised the Covenant, was the first Jew, and is the Father of Judaism. Secondly, the destruction of the Second Temple concluded an era that in time gave space for Christianity and the form of Judaism we know today, the Rabbinic one. Finally, the flourishing of Medieval Jewish philosophy was important because it gave Jews the understanding that science and Religion could coexist. Also, it gave them a philosophy of life that allowed them to connect to other societies. Because of the aforementioned, I strongly believe that these three eras were the most important and influential in Jewish
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