2000-1500 B.C- Era of the Patriarch

1638 B.C- Abraham Dies

1500-1200 B.C- The Exodus 

1200-1050 B.C- Arrival at Cannan

920-597 B.C- Kingdom Divided

712 B.C- Israel Conquered

701 B.C- Judah Conquered

586 B.C- 1^st Temple Destroyed

516 B.C- 2^nd Temple Built

 

    My group visited the Jewish place of worship, Temple Emanuel. The outside had an administrative building and a larger temple for worship. On the inside of the administration building they had a much smaller temple and many Jewish symbols and decorations hanging on the walls. The event was a Torah study that lasted for ~3 hours. Most people were much older than us and there were about two younger ladies, and one elderly man. About 12 people were there and inviting, but they didn't seem like they were evangelical. Those who were there were all white and appeared to be financially secure.

    We came early and we were surprised to be the first people to the Torah study.  Once everyone was in there, we all received copies of the Torah. The rabbi was very kind and explained how to read the Torah and how they analyze, in addition he explained how the Jews were organized (or more accurately the lack thereof). We mostly studied the concept of “eye for an eye” and what it's literal and metaphorical meanings are. There was a lot of participation from everyone and the Rabbi would ask us questions, or request we answer questions. As far as religious symbols, the Torah was read right to left to preserve the direction the Jews read in Hebrew. They also had some traditional Jewish snacks that tasted really good.

    The specific law we talked about was “eye for an eye.” Essentially they have to pay for things with money, and true sorrow, because taking an actual eye isn't always equivalent. The primary belief of the Jews is monotheism, they only believe in one God. The rabbi told us why they practice circumcision. He also showed us some special prayers they say after studying the Torah. The Rabbi was the one who lead us In The discussion. Everyone was very involved and reverent. In the community as a whole everyone is under the Rabbi, but they don't consider the rabbi to be better than anyone else. They also don't have a pope like figure, as the high priest no longer exists.

    We really liked how they were all involved in the study of their faith, no matter what their age was or background. They all had a lot of respect for previous generations of Jews which I thought was nice