Jewish people

Quick Facts: Who was Jewish people?

Subject:

Jewish people

Known for:

An ethnoreligious group originating from the Israelites of ancient Israel and Judah.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Jews, or the Jewish people, are an ethnoreligious group and nation, originating in the Israelites of ancient Israel and Judah. They traditionally adhere to Judaism. Jewish ethnicity, religion, and community are highly interrelated, as Judaism is an ethnic religion, though many ethnic Jews do not practice it. Jews regard converts to Judaism as members of the Jewish nation, pursuant to the long-standing conversion process. The Israelites emerged from the pre-existing Canaanite peoples to establish the kingdoms of Israel and Judah in the Southern Levant during the Iron Age.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Originally, Jews referred to the inhabitants of Judah, and were distinguished from the gentiles and the Samaritans. According to the Hebrew Bible, these inhabitants predominantly originate from the tribe of Judah, who were descendants of Judah, the fourth son of Jacob. The tribe of Benjamin were another significant demographic in Judah and were considered Jews too. By the late 6th century BCE, Judaism had evolved from the Israelite religion, dubbed Yahwism by modern scholars, having a theology that religious Jews believe to be the expression of the Mosaic covenant between God and the Jewish people. After the Babylonian exile, Jews referred to followers of Judaism, descendants of the Israelites, citizens of Judea, or allies of the Judean state.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Jewish migration within the Mediterranean region during the Hellenistic period, followed by population transfers, caused by events like the Jewish–Roman wars, gave rise to the Jewish diaspora, consisting of diverse Jewish communities that maintained their sense of Jewish history, identity, and culture. In the following millennia, Jewish diaspora communities coalesced into three major ethnic subdivisions according to where their ancestors settled: the Ashkenazim (Central and Eastern Europe), the Sephardim (Iberian Peninsula, later North Africa), and the Mizrahim (Asia and sometimes includes North Africa). While these three major divisions account for most of the world's Jews, there are other smaller Jewish groups outside of the three. Prior to World War II, the global Jewish population reached a peak of 16.7 million, representing around 0.7% of the world's population at that time. During World War II, approximately six million Jews throughout Europe were systematically murdered by Nazi Germany in a genocide known as the Holocaust.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Jewish people

True or False: “The term 'Jew' exclusively refers to those who practice Judaism, excluding ethnic descent.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Judaism is described as an ethnic religion, and Jewish ethnicity, religion, and community are highly interrelated; Jews regard converts to Judaism as members of the Jewish nation.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Jewish question — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A complex 19th-20th century European debate on the status and rights of Jews.
• Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus (351–352 CE) during the Roman Civil War.
• Jewish revolt against Heraclius — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The final major revolt by Jewish communities against Byzantine rule during the 7th century.
• Jewish–Roman wars — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A series of major revolts by Jews against Roman rule (66–135 CE).
• Jhené Aiko — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: American R&B singer known for her soulful vocals and genre-blending artistry.
• Jhulan Goswami — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Legendary Indian fast bowler, record holder in Women's ODIs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jewish people