Judaism and the Jewish People

THE JEWISH PEOPLE descend from nomadic tribes in the Middle East.Jewish kingdoms and states are centered around Jerusalem, the site of the Temple.Judaism does not encourage conversions but has always accepted converts from other religions.Modern religious movements develop, abandoning the common bases of traditional Judaism.After the Arab conquest, the Jewish population declines further.For many, Jewishness becomes a secular and national identity.Many Jewish communities sink into poverty, and only a few continue to prosper.COMMUNITIES ARE AT THE CENTER of Jewish life in the Diaspora.AFTER THE CRUSADES, expulsions of entire Jewish communities become frequent events.In 1290, all Jews are expelled from England - about 16,000 people.