Alexandria
Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE and served as the capital of Egypt until the Muslim conquest of the 7th century CE. As the intellectual and cultural hub of the ancient Mediterranean world, it became a major Jewish center of life and learning.
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The Grandeur of Alexandria's Basilica-SynagogueTOSEFTA
The Grandeur of Alexandria's Basilica-Synagogue
TOSEFTA
The basilica-synagogue of Alexandria was not only a place of worship but also a marvel of architectural grandeur and social organization. The Tosefta, a compilation of Jewish oral law from the late 2nd century CE, provides a vivid description of this magnificent structure and its unique communal arrangements.
Tensions in Ancient AlexandriaSECOND TEMPLE
Tensions in Ancient Alexandria
SECOND TEMPLE
The political and social tensions between Jews and non-Jews in ancient Alexandria reveal the challenges faced by Jewish communities under Roman rule. Philo of Alexandria’s work, 'Against Flaccus,' provides a vivid account of the persecution of Jews and the governor's disregard for their customs.
Misidentification and Prejudice in Ancient Jewish CommunitiesTALMUD
Misidentification and Prejudice in Ancient Jewish Communities
TALMUD
The misidentification of Alexandrians as Babylonians in Eretz Yisrael reveals the social tensions and prejudices between different Jewish communities. In Tractate Yoma, the rabbis discuss the construction of a ramp for a goat due to the behavior of certain Jews in Jerusalem, highlighting the mistaken identity and general disdain for Babylonians.
