David Solomon’s Jewish History lecture examines the Second Temple Period (Bayit Sheini), which spans from approximately the year -500 (or 500 BCE) to the theoretical year 0 (3260 to 3760 in the traditional Hebraic calendar).
#88 Which Period of Jewish History is Most Similar to Our Own?
In this lecture, David Solomon explores which period of Jewish history most resembles the present age. He emphasises that making meaningful comparisons requires qualifying terms and examining key considerations that shaped each era’s dynamics. David outlines relevant factors regarding geopolitics, governance, land control, exile status, spiritual leadership, and ethical behaviour. By analysing periods against these criteria, one can thoughtfully discuss historical parallels, beyond superficial dinner table assertions.
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#73 Women in Jewish History: the Second Temple Period
In this absorbing Jewish history lecture, David examines the stories and contributions of nine remarkable, often powerful, Jewish women from the period of the second temple in Jerusalem, including:
- Queen Esther
- Judith (Yehudit)
- Hannah and her seven sons
- Hannah Maccabee
- Queen Salome (Shlomtzion)
- Queen Miriam
- Queen Mariamne
- Berenice
- Drusilla.
David also explains how the changing political and cultural landscape impacted women’s rights, roles, and opportunities during a period that included:
- Persian rule
- Hellenic rule
- Hasmonean rule
- Roman rule.
Moreover, he provides historical background and context to this time in Jewish history, packed with complex political intrigue, military machinations, civil war, and regime changes.
Watch a video slideshow of the podcast lecture on Youtube below.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:48:07 — 110.5MB)
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#47 Two Temples (part 3)
A Podcast on Tanach (Hebrew Bible) and Jewish History
When the Persian King Cyrus the Great sponsored a Jewish return to the Land of Israel to rebuild a temple in Jerusalem he launched an era in Jewish History known as the Second Temple Period. In this podcast episode, David explores the first four centuries of the Second Temple Period. Beginning with the return from exile in Babylonia, he charts a historical path through Alexander’s conquest, examining the consequences of Hellenism on Jewish life. David then discusses the extraordinary rise of the Hasmonean Dynasty, its ultimate decay, and final disastrous consequences.
