1. Why is it considered important to study the bible in trying to understand early Jewish history? Are there challenges to using the bible as a source? If so, what are some, and how (if at all) can they be overcome?
2. Jewish communities survived for thousands of years in diaspora. Pick at least three reasons you believe this to be so, and explain the impact of each.
3. Muslim Iberia is often pointed to as the 'Golden Age' of Jewish Middle Ages life. Based on what we've learned in this course, do you agree with this characterization? Why or why not?
4. Explain the phenomenon of crypto-Judaism in Iberia. What did it mean? Why did many Jews choose to do it? Why did the host society-both common folk Christians and the leadership-believe this to be so problematic?