1. The region is often called the cradle of civilization because it saw the development of many of the earliest human civilizations. It is a half moon shaped area that comprises the Tigris, Euphrates, Jordan and Nile rivers.

2. Worked with Ezra to establish the second commonwealth. He is credited with successfully repopulating major cities including Jerusalem; building a fortifying wall around Jerusalem; building roads and other infrastructure all of which helped pave the way for the building of the Second Temple.

3. is the process by which a cultural item spreads from group to group or society to society.

4. The process by which a group's native culture is lost under pressure by those of a dominant cultural group. Assimilation occurs when groups acquire new customs, language, and ideologies through contact and education in the dominant society. Assimilation may involve either a quick or gradual change depending on circumstances. Full assimilation occurs when new members of a society become indistinguishable from older members.

5. Is the closing of a textual basis and listing of books considered to be authoritative scripture by a particular religious community.

6. He was a priest and scribe who led the exiled Babylonian community back to Israel. He formed the Grand Assembly which under his leadership introduced a number of important reforms that were essential for rebuilding national life after the exile.

7. The second King of Israel, he establishes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and conquers new territory.

8. Greek cultural influence on other peoples.

9. The first shofet, he led the Israelite conquest of Canaan.

10. King of Assyria, he conquered the northern kingdom and exiled the people of Israel.

11. The belief in one god.

12. Israelites who accept rabbinic authority to interpret both the written and oral Torah.

13. A group of clans bound together with common customs, goals and treaties.

14. Adapting animals and plants for human use.

15. Israelites who accept the authority of the priests. This sect does not believe in the oral Torah.

16. Babylonian king who conquers Jerusalem, destroys the First Temple and exiles the people of Judah.

17. To be away from one's home (i.e. city, state or country), while either being explicitly refused permission to return and/or being threatened with imprisonment or death upon return.

18. A geographically extensive group of states and peoples united and ruled by a single power.

19. The first King of Israel, he unites the tribes into a nation.

20. Relating to, or characteristic of a sect or group.

21. The third King of Israel, he expands trade, fortifies David's conquest and builds the First Temple in Jerusalem.

22. Emperor of Persia, he permits exiled peoples to return to their homeland and worship according to their beliefs.

23. The patriarch of the Jewish people. He was born in the city of Ur and discovered monotheism.

24. The belief in many gods.

25. Led the Israelites out of slavery and helped form our national and religious identity.