What's Happening?
The article explores the historical context of Jewish religious reforms introduced by Nehemiah and Ezra during the return from Babylonian exile. Nehemiah was shocked to find merchants conducting business on the Sabbath, a day he considered holy, indicating
that the observance of the Sabbath was unfamiliar to many in Jerusalem at the time. Ezra's reading of the Torah to the people of Jerusalem led to widespread weeping, not from joy, but from confusion and dismay at hearing unfamiliar laws. These reforms were not a recovery of forgotten traditions but rather the implementation of revolutionary innovations developed during the Babylonian exile.
Why It's Important?
The reforms introduced by Nehemiah and Ezra were significant in shaping Jewish identity and practices. The introduction of the Sabbath as a weekly day of rest marked a departure from pre-exilic practices, where the Sabbath was associated with monthly lunar observances. These changes reflect a broader transformation of Jewish religion during the Babylonian exile, where the focus shifted from temple-based worship to a portable faith based on text and time. This transformation laid the foundation for Judaism as it is recognized today, highlighting the adaptive and creative nature of religious evolution in response to historical circumstances.
