Ask the Rabbi
- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Torah Study
- Torah Teachings
Question
Why did the Jews return to Eretz Israel from the babylonian exile? Was it the majority of the Jews? What percentage?
Answer
The Jews carried with them the hope for renewed independence and the rebuilding of the temple.
According to the Kuzari (Rabbi Yehudah Halevi) a small percentage, probably less than 10% returned. The Ramban thought a majority of the people returned but that is not the commonly accepted opinion.
Nichsei Milog & Tzon Barzel
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 7 Tishrei 5766
Learning about the Beit Hamikdash
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tevet 9, 5784
Source for R"Yehoshua
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Cheshvan 11, 5786
