Synopsis of Jewish History / From the Return of the Jews from the Babylonish Captivity, to the Days of Herod the Great

A concise survey traces Jewish history from the post‑exilic restoration of Jerusalem and rebuilding of the temple through successive Persian, Hellenistic, Maccabean, and Herodian periods, outlining political developments and religious institutions. It catalogs major Jewish sects of the Second Temple era and describes the origins and functions of synagogues, prayer practices, and cultic objects such as the Urim and Thummim. Later chapters explain the formation and purpose of the Oral Law, the Mishna, and the Gemara or Talmud. An appendix supplies additional remarks and aims to provide an accessible introduction for general readers.