Shlomo Sand - The Invention of the Jewish People | CH4 | Khazars and Judaism: A Long Love Affair? скачать в хорошем качестве

Shlomo Sand - The Invention of the Jewish People | CH4 | Khazars and Judaism: A Long Love Affair?

The title of the third chapter of The Invention of the Jewish People by Shlomo Sand is **"Realms of Silence: In Search of Lost (Jewish) Time**. the subsection "Khazars and Judaism: A Long Love Affair?". *Summary: The Rise and Decline of Khazaria* Khazaria, once a formidable nomadic empire in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, rose to significant power before facing a series of challenges that led to its political decline. Initially flourishing as a confederation of nomadic tribes, Khazaria's influence waned due to internal conflicts among its rulers and loss of hegemony in the region. The conversion of Prince Vladimir I of Kievan Rus' to Christianity in 989 CE marked a turning point, weakening Khazaria's ties with neighboring states. This shift also strained its alliance with the Byzantine Empire, leading to eventual defeat by a joint Byzantine-Russian force in 1016 CE. Khazaria's fate changed dramatically with the Mongolian invasions led by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century. The Mongols' lack of focus on agriculture led to depopulation, particularly in central Asian regions. Many Jewish Khazars migrated westward into Ukraine and later into Polish and Lithuanian territories. Despite these challenges, Judaism persisted in Khazaria and adjacent areas. Converts to Christianity in Russia continued to practice Judaism clandestinely, illustrating the resilience of the faith even without a centralized political structure. *Five Main Points:* 1. **Khazaria's Rise**: As a nomadic empire, Khazaria initially flourished before facing decline. 2. **Political Decline Factors**: Internal conflicts and loss of hegemony contributed to its weakening influence. 3. **Conversion Impact**: Vladimir I's conversion weakened alliances and led to eventual defeat by Byzantine-Russia forces. 4. **Mongol Invasions**: Genghis Khan's invasions caused depopulation and migration westward, notably of Jewish Khazars. 5. **Judaism's Survival**: Despite political challenges, Judaism remained vibrant in Khazaria and neighboring regions. This summary encapsulates Khazaria's history, emphasizing its resilience despite significant political and cultural shifts.