May 30 - June 20, 2010
Topeka, Kansas
Zion Gate
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Jerusalem has been the center
of Jewish life since its conquest
by King David around 3,000
years ago.
of Jewish life since its conquest
by King David around 3,000
years ago.
After nearly four centuries of relative autonomy after following Moses
to freedom from slavery in Egypt, the twelve tribes of Israel joined together
as a united kingdom under David's predecessor King Saul.
David strengthened the alliance into one nation and established
Jerusalem as its capital. He brought the holiest item of the Jewish faith, the
Ark of the Covenant, to Jerusalem and purchased the land which would
become site of the Temple built by his son, King Solomon.
For four hundred years, the Temple was the focal point of Jewish religious
life, until Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians and the Temple was
completely destroyed. Most of the population was exiled to Babylon.
to freedom from slavery in Egypt, the twelve tribes of Israel joined together
as a united kingdom under David's predecessor King Saul.
David strengthened the alliance into one nation and established
Jerusalem as its capital. He brought the holiest item of the Jewish faith, the
Ark of the Covenant, to Jerusalem and purchased the land which would
become site of the Temple built by his son, King Solomon.
For four hundred years, the Temple was the focal point of Jewish religious
life, until Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians and the Temple was
completely destroyed. Most of the population was exiled to Babylon.
Fifty years later, Babylon fell to Persia and many Jews returned to Jerusalem where they rebuilt the
Temple. It remained the center of Jewish life for 450 years, reaching the height of its beauty under Herod
the Great around 19 BCE, before being destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The only remains are the
massive retaining walls that encompass the Temple Mount, built by Herod to support the weight of the
Temple. Since the destruction of the Temple, the Western Wall has been the holiest part of the city for
Jews, the site of prayer and pilgrimage for Jews the world over.
The Old City of Jerusalem was not under Jewish control for nearly 2,000 years. However, the city had
remained the holiest place for Jews, whose Synagogues and Temples around the world faced Jerusalem, ,
commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples.
Since 1967, when Israel took control of the Old City during the Six Day War, freedom of religious practice
for Jews, Christians, and Muslims has been observed in Jerusalem.
Temple. It remained the center of Jewish life for 450 years, reaching the height of its beauty under Herod
the Great around 19 BCE, before being destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The only remains are the
massive retaining walls that encompass the Temple Mount, built by Herod to support the weight of the
Temple. Since the destruction of the Temple, the Western Wall has been the holiest part of the city for
Jews, the site of prayer and pilgrimage for Jews the world over.
The Old City of Jerusalem was not under Jewish control for nearly 2,000 years. However, the city had
remained the holiest place for Jews, whose Synagogues and Temples around the world faced Jerusalem, ,
commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples.
Since 1967, when Israel took control of the Old City during the Six Day War, freedom of religious practice
for Jews, Christians, and Muslims has been observed in Jerusalem.
Grace Episcopal Cathedral 701 SW 8th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603 Phone: 785-235-3457 Contact Michael Massey, Ministry Coordinator email: mjmassey@gracecathedraltopeka.org |
| This exhibit was created by the Striar Jewish Community Center and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Boston Agencies of Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston |
| This Program is funded in part by the Kansas Humanities Council, a non-profit cultural organization promoting understanding of the history, traditions, and ideas that shape our lives and build community. |
