I read an interesting explanation for Jewish success in academics and business, which posits that a combination of the destruction of the 2nd Temple by the Romans and the creation of the Abbasid Muslim caliphates led to success.
The destruction of the 2nd Temple in 70 A.D. changed Judaism from a religion where the high priests were the sole source of religious dogma to one where each Jew was required to study the Torah themselves. This required universal literacy, and thus children were sent to school to learn both Hebrew and the local language from the age of 6 or 7.
This was a very onerous requirement for the population, which had been scattered to the wind and mainly were farmers: a source of labor was now unavailable. This led to conversion of many Jews to other religions that did not have such requirements, and thus a reduction in the population.
The formation of the Abbasid Muslim caliphates created a more cosmopolitan and advanced economy, where moving to the city and taking up trades made for an easier life. Jews, who were already literate, were able to prosper as they could easily create/use contracts for trade. Jews spread out on trade routes, expanding to further countries and cities. This means that Jewish involvement in business and law was result of a conscious decision rather than being forced into it.
Then the Mongols killed off the Abbasid empire, wrecked the economy, sending most people - including Jews - back to farming, at least in the areas of their conquest. This lead to many Jews again converting to other, less onerous religions and a low point in the population.
Wow! I suspect one of your longer posts Steve and easily one of your best.
I read an interesting explanation for Jewish success in academics and business, which posits that a combination of the destruction of the 2nd Temple by the Romans and the creation of the Abbasid Muslim caliphates led to success.
The destruction of the 2nd Temple in 70 A.D. changed Judaism from a religion where the high priests were the sole source of religious dogma to one where each Jew was required to study the Torah themselves. This required universal literacy, and thus children were sent to school to learn both Hebrew and the local language from the age of 6 or 7.
This was a very onerous requirement for the population, which had been scattered to the wind and mainly were farmers: a source of labor was now unavailable. This led to conversion of many Jews to other religions that did not have such requirements, and thus a reduction in the population.
The formation of the Abbasid Muslim caliphates created a more cosmopolitan and advanced economy, where moving to the city and taking up trades made for an easier life. Jews, who were already literate, were able to prosper as they could easily create/use contracts for trade. Jews spread out on trade routes, expanding to further countries and cities. This means that Jewish involvement in business and law was result of a conscious decision rather than being forced into it.
Then the Mongols killed off the Abbasid empire, wrecked the economy, sending most people - including Jews - back to farming, at least in the areas of their conquest. This lead to many Jews again converting to other, less onerous religions and a low point in the population.
You outdid yourself with this article. A most excellent piece.
Aww thanks for the kind words. Please share so more people can read.