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The anecdotal references to miracles as incorporated in the Old Testament had accentuated the heritage of Judaism, crowning a remarkable era in the history of humanity. It had blossomed rapidly, negating the primitive idolatrous religions that dominated the Middle East
as well as the far-flung, yet undiscovered countries of the East where the plurality of deities still exist. It had become the source from which had sprung the religions of Christianity and Islam, the former having been established as the direct outgrowth of Judaism, distinguishing itself as a separate entity, in spite of its fact that it had developed and mushroomed within the similar sphere of Judaism to which it owes its universal existence. Centuries later, Islam had been established, duplicating the spirituality of Judaism, while advancing its own Koranic principles.

What kept the Jews together as a people was, for the most part, their religion. Overpowered by conquerers and driven to new lands, they continued to cling to their spiritual heritage.They spoke the languages of their new lands and made important contributions to the culture within which they blossomed, enriching themselves in the process. For a while, intermarriages between Jews and non-Jews were minimal, thus allowing them to hold on to their identity.

The history of the Jews had begun over 4,000 years ago when Abraham settled in the land of Canaan (now Israel). The teaching of Judaism includes the love of God, respect for parents and the aged, love of neighbor as well as strangers, as well as the espousal of peace and freedom. To this day, Judaism advocates liberty and equality, both of which are aspects of democracy. The never-to-be-forgotten history of the Exodus is the basis on which the principles of Judaism stand. The prophet Moses who had received the Ten Commandments by which Jews and Gentiles must abide, had declared in no uncertain terms, to his people, "Proclaim liberty throughout the land and the inhabitants thereof," words that were inscribed on the American Liberty Bell.

King Solomon built the first, great Temple in Jerusalem on Mount Zion, setting the stage for
a glorious epoch of values that had become the basis for the other religions that followed.
Although a grave injustice had befallen the Jewish people throughout the centuries, they had miraculously survived the cruel hardships that were inflicted upon them. Christians today are much more cognizant of their heritage, linking themselves to the source from which they had sprung. The Pope's penitence for having encouraged the persecution of Jews is so convincing that it had radicalized the belief of many Christians that there can be no separation from a religion in which Jesus himself had lived.

Regrattably, the shadows of anti-semitism keep lurking in many places around the world. Hopefully, with the passing of time, the prophecies of the Old Testament will continue to
come to pass in the dawn of a new awakening.

Learn more about this author, Maurice Sassoon.
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