Share ThisA Timeline of Jewish History
Part of the Judaism For Dummies Cheat Sheet
Understanding Judaism begins by checking out the historical events that have shaped the Jewish culture. Here’s a brief time-line of major events in Jewish history:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| c. 1800 B.C.E. | Abraham and Sarah begin the Journey to Judaism |
| c. 1250 B.C.E. | Moses leads Hebrews out of Egyptian bondage |
| c. 1000 B.C.E. | King David unites and grows the Kingdom |
| c. 950 B.C.E. | King Solomon builds First Temple in Jerusalem |
| 722 B.C.E. | Assyrians destroy Northern Israelite Kingdom, disperse ten tribes |
| 586 B.C.E. | Babylonians overthrow Southern Kingdom, destroy first Temple, take Judeans to Babylonia |
| 428 B.C.E. | Second Temple dedicated by Ezra and Nehemiah |
| 164 B.C.E. | Hasmonean revolt against Greek rule (celebrated by Chanukkah) |
| 70 | Second Temple destroyed by Romans |
| 135 | Bar Kochba rebellion |
| c. 200 | Mishnah codified |
| c. 500 | Babylonian Talmud codified |
| 1492 | Jews expelled from Spain |
| 1880 | Mass emigrations to America begin |
| 1938 | Kristallnacht begins Holocaust |
| 1948 | State of Israel declared |
| 1972 | First woman rabbi ordained |
